PITTSBURGH — Fresh off being named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, University of Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett has won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
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The announcement was made Tuesday, making Pickett the first Pitt player to win the award, which is presented annually to the top upperclassman quarterback set to graduate with his class.
Pickett will be honored by the president of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, John Unitas Jr., at the Golden Arm Award banquet and celebration in Baltimore on Dec. 10.
“There were many who were worthy of this consideration, but there was only one who stood above the rest,” Unitas Jr. said in a video announcing Pickett as the winner.
Pickett helped lead the Panthers to the team’s first ACC Championship on Saturday.
“To receive an award named after the legendary Johnny Unitas is just an incredible honor,” Pickett said in a statement. “I know the high standards he set, both as a quarterback and as a leader. Certainly, I’ll always strive to uphold those standards and represent this award the best I can. I want to thank Mr. Unitas Jr., the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation and A.O. Smith. As always, I accept this award on behalf of my teammates and coaches who made this all possible.”
Johnny Unitas was a Pittsburgh native and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Last week, Pickett was named the ACC’s Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year.
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