| Current team | New York Giants |
|---|---|
| Number | 96 |
| Position | Defensive end |
| Birth date | March 6, 2000 (age 26) |
| Birth place | Anderson, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft |
| Height in | 4 |
| Weight lbs | 300 |
| High school | T. L. Hanna (Anderson) |
| College | South Carolina (2019–2022) |
| Draftyear | 2023 |
| Draftround | 3 |
| Draftpick | 64 |
| Pastteams |
|
| Status | Active |
| Statseason | 2025 |
| Statlabel 1 | Total tackles |
| Statvalue 1 | 44 |
| Statlabel 2 | Sacks |
| Statvalue 2 | 1.5 |
| Statlabel 3 | Forced fumbles |
| Statvalue 3 | 1 |
| Statlabel 4 | Fumble recoveries |
| Statlabel 5 | Pass deflections |
| Statvalue 5 | 1 |
| Statlabel 6 | Touchdowns |
| Pfr | PickZa00 |
Zaccheaus L. Pickens (born March 6, 2000) is an American professional football defensive end for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Pickens has also played for the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs.
Early life
Pickens was born on March 6, 2000, in Anderson, South Carolina. He attended T. L. Hanna High School, where he was named South Carolina's Gatorade Football Player of the Year as a senior in 2018 after recording 87 tackles, six sacks, and an interception which he returned for a touchdown.[1][2] A five-star recruit, Pickens was selected to play in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game.[3] He committed to the University of South Carolina to play college football.[4][5]
College career
As a true freshman at South Carolina in 2019, Pickens played in all 12 games and had 16 tackles. As a sophomore in 2020, he started seven of 10 games, recording 35 tackles and one sack. As a junior in 2021, he started all 13 games, finishing with 38 tackles and four sacks.[6] Pickens returned to South Carolina for his senior season in 2022.[7][8]
Professional career
Chicago Bears
Pickens was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round (64th overall) in the 2023 NFL draft.[9]
On August 26, 2025, Pickens was waived by the Bears as part of final roster cuts.[10]
Kansas City Chiefs
On August 29, 2025, Pickens was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.[11] He was promoted to the active roster on December 17.[12]
On May 4, 2026, Pickens was waived by the Chiefs.[13]
New York Giants
On May 5, 2026, Pickens was claimed off of waivers by the New York Giants.[14]
References
- ^ "T.L. Hanna's Zacch Pickens is a mama's boy -- and proud of it". Independent Mail. December 19, 2018. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
- ^ Breiner, Ben (6 December 2018). "Gamecocks commit named Gatorade South Carolina Football Player of the Year". The State. Retrieved 25 April 2023. (subscription required)
- ^ Hall, Brendan C. (25 October 2018). "Chosen 25 DL Zacch Pickens receives UA All-American jersey, might see time in Gamecocks' backfield?". USA Today High School Sports. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
- ^ Morris, Lake (May 25, 2018). "TL Hanna's Zacch Pickens commits to South Carolina Gamecocks". Independent Mail. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
- ^ Kendall, Josh (August 6, 2019). "Zacch Pickens bringing the talent, hype of South Carolina’s last five-star recruit: Jadeveon Clowney". The Athletic. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
- ^ Portnoy, Ben (3 January 2022). "Zacch Pickens delivers more good news for South Carolina defense in 2022". The State. Retrieved 25 April 2023. (subscription required)
- ^ Sauls, Michael (20 July 2022). "Zacch Pickens sets sights on degree and more after heartfelt decision to return to USC". The State. Retrieved 25 April 2023. (subscription required)
- ^ Boynton, Eric (August 10, 2022). "After delaying NFL plans, Zacch Pickens has big goals for final South Carolina season". The Greenville News. Retrieved 2024-07-14.
- ^ Mayer, Larry (April 28, 2023). "Bears select DT Zacch Pickens in third round". ChicagoBears.com
- ^ "Chicago Bears announce roster moves". chicagobears.com. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
- ^ "Chiefs Announce Additional Roster Moves Heading Into 2025 NFL Season". Chiefs.com. August 29, 2025.
- ^ "Chiefs sign exciting DL to 53-man roster, rookie WR to practice squad". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. December 17, 2025.
- ^ Wilson, Jordan. "Bears’ Former Draft Bust Loses Roster Spot With Chiefs to Rookie". Heavy.com. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ^ Boico, Jake & read, Giants Wire·1 min (2026-05-06). "New York Giants claim DT Zacch Pickens off waivers from Chiefs". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 2026-05-06.