Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett had his vehicle stolen during an interview on Wednesday, and the team's playbook was inside.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expecting to have a huge season in 2023. Even though they just missed out on the playoffs last year, quarterback Kenny Pickett showed promise in his first season. So this offseason, the front office gave him some extra support to help him succeed.
As it turns out, the Steelers were almost put at a massive disadvantage.
According to SteelersNow, Pickett had his vehicle, a 2023 Genesis SUV, stolen on Wednesday while he was doing a radio interview with 93.7 The Fan at a Monroeville, Pa. Chevrolet dealership. Pickett's vehicle was since found and returned.
Inside the vehicle at the time of the theft was his Steelers playbook, but it has since been recovered, the team confirmed to WTAE 4.
Kenny Pickett's vehicle was stolen, Steelers' playbook was inside
That would have been disastrous if the Steelers' playbook had gone missing. Luckily, that wasn't the case.
Sixty-year-old Christopher Carter was charged with "unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and unauthorized use of automobiles and other vehicles" in connection to the theft, per WPXI 11.
According to WPXI 11, police saw the suspect enter the dealership at 1:00 p.m. ET and leave with Pickett's SUV at 3:30 p.m. ET via security footage. The suspect had left their vehicle at the dealership and police linked Carter after looking up his registration. Then, police were dispatched to Carter's home due to a domestic dispute, and found Pickett's vehicle, which had scratches and scuffs on it, parked in front of the residence.
Pickett took over as the team's starter last season, picking up a 7-5 record. He also led the team to back-to-back game-winning drives against the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 16 and 17 last season. In 13 games played (12 starts), Pickett threw for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 63.0 percent of his passes.
Fear not, Steelers fans, Picketts' vehicle, and playbook have been returned.