Steelers' Diontae Johnson Gave George Pickens Some Critical Advice Following Week 9 Meltdown

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, leaving both fans and Head Coach Mike Tomlin with mixed feelings. An annoyed Tomlin, during a press conference on Tuesday, expressed his frustration, likening the media coverage to reality television.

Tomlin's frustration echoes the sentiments of many devoted fans, the unpredictable twists of the season continue to shape the team's evolving story.

"It's easy. I know it's a cute story for you guys, but it's a pebble in my shoe to be honest with you, in terms of the things I have to do to get these guys ready to play this week. Our focus is on the Green Bay Packers and what we all do in this football game. It's like reality television the way you guys follow social media and write stories about that."

Social Media Stir: George Pickens' Unusual Postgame Reaction

The latest episode in this Steelers' reality series unfolded after their crucial primetime victory against the Tennessee Titans. A particular subplot emerged on social media, with images circulating showcasing George Pickens seemingly sulking during and after the game. 

Pickens had a horrible performance, securing only 2 receptions for -1 yard. What caught the attention of fans and the media was his reaction—or lack thereof—when teammate Diontae Johnson scored the go-ahead touchdown and his first touchdown in over 660 days. Rather than celebrating with the team, Pickens ran off the field, leaving many to wonder if Pickens cared more about his own personal gain or the team's overall success. 

Diontae Johnson's Advice: Navigating Emotions in the Public Eye

In the aftermath of the game, Johnson stepped in to offer advice to his fellow wide receiver. Recognizing the emotional toll that a challenging game can take, Johnson emphasized the importance of handling such situations with care.

"I had a good talk with him. He understood and I understood where he was coming from as well. Nobody's perfect. You can't knock him."

Acknowledging Pickens' right to express his emotions, Johnson also highlighted the need for discretion in handling such moments. He emphasized that while everyone has their way of dealing with disappointments, there are better ways to navigate these emotions, especially in the public eye.

"Him doing what he did, yeah, there's a better way to go about certain situations. But he felt like he had to handle it his way, but at the same time, it wasn't the right time to do all that.”

Johnson waited until the team gathered at the practice facility on Monday to have a more extensive conversation with Pickens about the game and the subsequent social media activity. The seasoned wide receiver aimed to provide guidance on how to avoid creating negative narratives and to encourage a more nuanced approach to expressing frustrations.

"I chopped it up with him. Just kind of told him what he should do next time or just to not put that stuff out there. You don't want people creating a narrative of you. He understands."

Lessons Learned for the Steelers

As the Steelers navigate through a challenging season, both on and off the field, the dynamics within the team have taken center stage, especially around Pickens. The interactions between players, their reactions to victories and defeats, and the scrutiny of their behavior on and off the field have become integral parts of the Steelers' narrative.

It's essential for Pickens to grasp the reality that every move, both positive and negative, will be scrutinized by the ever-watchful eye of social media. While the fairness of this constant evaluation may be questionable, it is an inevitable part of the life of any athlete or public figure. It's completely valid for Pickens to feel disappointed after a challenging game, but the ability to balance individual frustrations with genuine happiness for teammates is crucial. Considering Pickens' age at just 22, it's essential to recognize the ongoing process of growth and maturation he will undergo, both as a human being and as a player. The journey toward becoming a seasoned professional involves navigating the complexities of personal and public expectations, and Pickens is undoubtedly on that transformative path.

With Johnson's guidance, Pickens and the rest of the team may find a way to turn this episode of the Steelers reality show into a growth opportunity, both as individual players and as a cohesive unit. The Steelers' reality TV drama continues, but perhaps the lessons learned from these episodes will contribute to a more united and resilient team in the games to come.

#SteelerNation