For two seasons at the University of Pittsburgh, Kenny Pickett and Kadyre Oleson were mainstays in the backfield together for the Panthers.
Now, they are reunited after six seasons, this time in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The same facility they were in together as members of the Panthers.
After the Steelers signed the returning veteran to their practice squad late last week, Olison got a chance to go home and reunite with former college teammate and friend Vickett.
This reunion is something Beckett is excited to see.
Speaking to reporters before the Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers, Pickett joked that he and Oleson would need to go eat and reminisce about the good old days, adding that he was excited to have his infectious personality on the team. established, even if he is on the training team.
“Yeah, we should go get a snack, Q and I when we have some time.” We had QBs with RBs just working on deliveries and I made sure I went with him from Old time’s sake. “It’s great to have him in the building, he’s kind of infectious with his personality and everything he brings to the team, so I’m really happy to have him here.”
Pitt’s 2018 season was the best season of Ollison’s career for the Panthers, and it was Pickett’s first full season as a starter. That year, Olison rushed for a career high of 1,213 yards and 11 touchdowns on 194 carries in 14 games as the Panthers went 7-7 that season, losing 14-13 to Stanford in the Sun Bowl.
With his performance in the 2018 season, Olison was named second-team All-ACC and still holds the Pitt record for longest play from scrimmage—running or passing—with 97 yards against Virginia Tech, putting the game away for good. .
After his solid season in 2018, Olison was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft 152nd overall and went on to spend three seasons with the Falcons before one season with the Dallas Cowboys. Ollison had just 141 career NFL hits offensively during his four years with the Falcons and Cowboys. In those 141 offensive snaps, Olison recorded 44 carries for 158 yards and added 19 yards on five receptions.
Olison played 212 other snaps on special teams during his career. Adding him to the Steelers as a coaching staff back to Pittsburgh is a good move, and he’ll provide good depth in Pittsburgh’s backfield. Beckett is delighted that his old friend is back in the attacking room too, and will get a chance to catch up with his old team-mate off the field.