Steelers Budding Superstar George Pickens Has Massive Goal For 2023 "I Want Us To Win The Super Bowl"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are being underestimated as a threat in the AFC North. Pittsburgh has never finished last since the division was created. The last time they finished in the division cellar was in the AFC Central in 1988. That is 35 years for Cleveland Browns fans who might be mathematically challenged.

Ben Roethlisberger Thinks Steelers' Kenny Pickett To George Pickens Combo Is Special

One Steelers player who is not being underestimated is the phenomenal talent that is George Pickens. The second-year wide receiver generated a significant buzz in his rookie campaign with highlight-reel catches and a burgeoning connection with Kenny Pickett. According to Ben Roethlisberger on his most recent Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast, that duo could be the most extraordinary combination since the future Hall of Fame quarterback and Antonio Brown.

Pickens was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Georgia Bulldogs. His training camp battles with Joey Porter Jr., captured by SteelerNation’s Brandon Wallace, went viral. ESPN is already touting him as more talented than Justin Jefferson and Pickens is smiling and playing along like this is all routine. The sublime is routine for the former Bulldogs wide receiver, and he inspires confidence when he continues to make incredible catches day after day.

The Pivot Podcast made another visit to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, which was released on Friday. Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder made the trip to visit with Joey Porter Sr. and Porter Jr. for an extended interview. Before sitting down with the father and son, they made a point to visit with Pickens on the field. Taylor made some critical observations about how the game should slow down for him in year two and that he would be able to have a bit more attitude.

“First off, he don’t need no help with attitude,” Clark smiled. “He know(s) he could play. He don’t need that.”

Pickens has the most impossibly big catch radius I have seen in over five decades of watching the NFL. The effortless way he makes the improbable appear routine is a gift very few receivers can approach. Pickens is a unicorn, and he is motivated to ascend to the next level. Clark asked him what his goals for 2023 are as an individual. In true Pickens style, he delivered more than was asked.

“Trying to get over 1k for sure,” Pickens began listing. “I want to go to the Pro Bowl. I want us to win the Super Bowl too. Because I know what the feeling of a Natty feel like. Everybody feels like they won."

Pickens's focus on being a great receiver is good to hear, but his goal to win a championship this season is music to a playoff-starved Steeler Nation's ears. Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game in seven seasons. If Pickens becomes an unstoppable force at receiver in combination with Pickett and a blooming young offense, the goal is more plausible than it seems. 

"The first one, honestly, you want to win it," Clark replies. "But when you win it and you contributed enough to be a Pro Bowler, they treat you different. When you're one of the guys, it's a different feeling."

Clark trails off before finishing the point, but Pickens knows precisely what he means. Winning a Super Bowl in Pittsburgh is special; Clark knows firsthand what that feels like. He was a starter on defense, but James Harrison and Troy Polamalu are Steelers legends. Pickens clearly understands and intends to go down as a legend. 

The Steelers play their second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Mike Tomlin has hinted that everyone who can play will play, and Pickens will make his second appearance in 2023. It is not likely to last long, but if Pickens has proved one thing in his short NFL career, he is must-see TV on the field. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is Pickens's focus on being a champion the sign of a budding offensive leader? Let me know what you think. Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq. 

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