Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens has earned a reputation for his volatile personality. After his team was trounced by the San Francisco 49ers 30-7 in front of fans at home, he was very frustrated and short with the media before leaving abruptly. His displeasure with how the game unfolded seemingly went to social media where he liked a comment disparaging quarterback, Kenny Pickett. The second-year receiver was dismissive of a question about it on Monday.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett and receiver George Pickens have a quick chat on the field.
Pickens met with the media on Monday at the Steelers facility and opened up a little bit about his social media habits. He said that the news that he had liked a post criticizing Pickett was very confusing.
"My comments aren't even on, on my Instagram," Pickens said via Chris Adamski of the Tribune-Review. "Somebody must have screenshotted it or added it themselves. You can't even tag me."
A reporter followed up by asking Pickens if he had liked the post and he responded that he's got the function on the social media app on so that other users can't mention or tag him. Despite the initial denial, he still didn't really address the comment made or if he did in fact like the post.
George Pickens on the alleged social media “like” of an anti-Kenny Pickett comment pic.twitter.com/PZm12tHrfD
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 11, 2023
It is certainly understandable that anyone on the team would be frustrated after a loss like that. Pickens' frustration was visible on the field when he took a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness after being slammed to the ground by 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. The nine-yard gain that would've moved the chains downfield slightly ended up costing the team as they were moved back on first down.
Matt Durisko / AP Photo
Steelers receiver George Pickens takes a hard hit from San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner during their Week 1 game.
Pickens has been very vocal about his want to get the ball on every play. In the opener, despite the Steelers going to a very pass-happy offense trailing for the whole afternoon, he was limited to five catches on seven targets. It took a while for Pickens to get rolling in his rookie season in 2022, so maybe it's just about shaking off some rust.
Steelers' Pickens And Pickett Still Have Lots Of Time To Continue To Develop Their Unique Connection
Pickett and Pickens were flying high during the preseason, just like the rest of the Steelers offense. Pickett found Pickens for the first touchdown strike of the exhibition season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He then threw up a deep ball for Pickens that he made a sensational grab on against the Atlanta Falcons in the third preseason game of 2023.
Kim Klement Neitzel / USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) and wide receiver George Pickens (#14) are still working to develop into a potent offensive connection in 2023 after a rough start in Week 1.
The two have a unique relationship. There's still some sort of magic between the two that is just yet to be unlocked in 2023, after struggles for the whole team in the opener. He might not have given a very straight answer to whether he actually liked the comment, but he and Pickett will have to figure out any potential issues if the Steelers want to go anywhere on offense this season.
What did you think of Pickens's comments? Did he really answer the question? Comment below!
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