When quarterback Aaron Rodgers first signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, there was intrigue over what jersey number he would wear. For 18 years in Green Bay, Rodgers wore No. 12.

But that number has a rich history in Pittsburgh with the Steelers. While not being officially retired by the organization, no one has worn No. 12 since Hall of Fame and four-time Super Bowl champion Terry Bradshaw. Would Rodgers interfere with the legacy of that number?

Rodgers eventually took No. 8, the digit he wore for two years in New York. But while the stories of that number in Steelers history are far less legendary, they are still fascinating. Somehow, despite only eight players having worn that number in franchise history, their collective stories span from World War II to the present.

These are the stories of the eight players who wore No. 8 before Aaron Rodgers. In today’s edition, Kenny Pickett.

Yeah, this one is going to be a little bit tricky.

The Kenny Pickett era in Pittsburgh was rocky. It was filled with ups and downs, hopes and dreams, division and frustration. But even now, two years removed from Pickett’s departure, controversy still remains over the man who once called Pittsburgh home.

The story, on paper, was perfect. A standout at Pitt who brought the Panthers to an ACC Championship in his final year there, Pickett made a name for himself in college right next door to his eventual pro team. With the Panthers and Steelers sharing a stadium, Pickett was playing college ball in the Steelers’ back yard. Their scouts and coaching staff knew him better than anyone.

And so, in 2022, the Steelers selected Pickett in the first round, 20th overall, keeping him right where he was. Pickett was the final first round selection made by general manager Kevin Colbert before he retired, hoping he set up his successor with the quarterback of the future.

In hindsight, that year’s quarterback class is one of the worst in recent NFL history. Pickett was the first quarterback off the board that year, and another quarterback wasn’t selected until midway through the third.

In all, nine quarterbacks were selected. Brock Purdy, the last pick in the draft, far and away leads all passing categories, and every other quarterback in the class has since been traded, cut, or both.