Chicken Dinner Road reemerged into the spotlight again during the Super Bowl. Former Boise State defensive star Shea McClellin lived on the road in Marsing. The road was named when a resident allegedly bribed a County Commissioner with a Chicken Dinner to pave the highway.
McClellin was not the first Bronco star to live on Chicken Dinner Road.. Quarterback Dee Pickett, who played very successfully for Boise State in l976-77, lived on the other end of the road near Caldwell, Idaho. Pickett was recruited by Lavell Edwards at BYU after a successful high school career. Pickett left BYU after a couple of weeks, and transferred to Walla Walla Community College before ending up at Boise State.
In line for another season as a BSU starter, Pickett may be the only starting QB to leave in favor of a career in rodeo. It was abviously the right choice for Pickett who made 19 NFR finals in his 20 year career. He was tabbed as the All Around Champion cowboy in 1984, and was elected to the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2003. His son, Cody, started at quarterback for the University of Washington for thee years, and later started in the NFL. He hung up his rodeo gear after high school.
Next time you hear of a football player at Boise State from Chicken Dinner Road, better pay attention.
