The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans don't seem too happy with star wide receiver George Pickens after Sunday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Pickens’ reps were managed throughout the game, which is unusual for a young star, especially given how much this offense relies on him in the passing game.
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Wide receiver George Pickens makes a one-handed catch for the Pittsburgh Steelers with Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. defending him.
During the game, Pickens appeared visibly frustrated. Several viral clips showed him displaying a lack of effort, sulking on the sideline, with attitude and effort concerns becoming apparent. Fans were eager to hear from him, but Pickens didn’t speak to the media after the game. He was also unavailable on Monday, raising further eyebrows as this broke NFL media rules.
However, Pickens later appeared on The Adam Schefter Podcast, where he came across as mature and gave thoughtful answers to every question. If Steelers fans tuned in, they may have felt more reassured about his attitude, but the situation is still complex. Something definitely seemed off during the Cowboys game, leaving fans concerned.
When asked about his goals and growth as a player, Pickens delivered an exciting response, expressing his desire to be a Steeler for life and become the next great wide receiver in the Steel City.
"Me personally, I just want to be one of the great receivers. You know me being a Steeler, I have kind of been honing that in. You know like how they were over the years and how they have always been. I just want to be one of those great receivers."
The Steelers have a rich history of all-time great wide receivers, but in recent years, some of their top talents have struggled with maintaining a team-first, positive attitude—a concern that some pundits now have about Pickens. However, based on Pickens' recent comments, he seems committed to personal growth and has expressed a strong desire to remain a Steeler for life while striving to become one of the franchise's greats.
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Steelers' George Pickens runs with the football for a score against the Browns.
Pickens also outlined his ambitious goals, stating that he believes the Steelers have the personnel to build the next NFL dynasty, much like the Kansas City Chiefs.
"Kind of like what people can relate to now is the modern-day Chiefs I guess you could say, I mean they are just winning Super Bowls back to back. I feel like we have the same talent and the same coaches and the same organization to do the same thing [as the Chiefs]."
Steelers' George Pickens Has Upset Fans With Low Effort Against Dallas
Pickens' claim that the Steelers have the personnel to become the next dynasty like the Chiefs is bold. For that to come true, Pickens will need to work on his attitude and make a significant turnaround. His performance against the Cowboys has created negative momentum, with many pointing to his lackluster showing. Despite being targeted seven times, he only hauled in three catches for 26 receiving yards.
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Steelers' George Pickens appears angry on the sideline.
But beyond the poor stats, it was his effort that raised the most concern. It's about how you impact the game when you’re not getting the ball—that’s what made Hines Ward a legend in Pittsburgh. Pickens needs to adopt that same mentality and step up as a leader. If he can embrace that mindset, he has the talent and skill to become one of the Steelers' greats.
However, Pickens' attitude during the Cowboys game has raised questions about his future in Pittsburgh. He'll have an opportunity to bounce back and prove himself as a leader in the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. With many fans currently frustrated with him, Pickens will be eager to turn things around and regain their support.
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