Zacch Pickens


Zaccheaus L. Pickens is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

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 a interception which he returned for a touchdown. A five-star recruit, Pickens was selected to play in the 2019 Under Armour [All-American Game]. He committed to the University of South Carolina to play college football.

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. Pickens returned to South Carolina for his senior season in 2022.

Professional career

Chicago Bears

Pickens was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round in the 2023 NFL draft.
On August 26, 2025, Pickens was waived by the Bears as part of final roster cuts.

Kansas City Chiefs

On August 29, 2025, Pickens was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on December 17.