The Pittsburgh Steelers are a significant part of modern Americana. The origin of the Steelers' mass appeal is an underdog story. Pittsburgh's first four decades in the NFL were marked by futility. They had one playoff appearance in 39 years. They failed to score in the lone appearance, a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. The first touchdown the Steelers scored in the postseason was the Immaculate Reception, and they have been part of the national discussion ever since.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens needs to compose himself during games to be considered a true all-around threat in the NFL.
The Steelers drafted George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft to pair with Kenny Pickett, who they still hope can turn into their next franchise quarterback. Pickens has remarkable natural talent and, when given the opportunity, has demonstrated his combat catch ability. The problem is those opportunities have come so infrequently that the second-year star has grown increasingly frustrated. Pickens has lashed out at Pickett and, to a lesser degree, the organization.
Pickens addressed his critics in the media and leveled a familiar accusation this week. The Steelers receiver has been transparent with his anger during his short time in Pittsburgh. It has often been to his detriment, but his recent rant might win him some support.
“I let people talk because that’s their job, to make up stories,” Pickens said. “You just have to watch the games. They were both losses.”
The former Georgia Bulldogs receiver accuses media members of "making up" stories. It was a familiar refrain that started in the political world and has now permeated nearly every facet of press coverage. Any time a public figure disagrees with the stories written about them, they can accuse the media of making up stories.
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Pittsburgh Steelers receiver, George Pickens sulks while fellow receiver Diontae Johnson celebrates his first touchdown since the 2021 season.
Pickens did unfollow the Steelers on social media. That happened despite his protest that it was just an accident. Pickens also liked disparaging social media posts about Pickett. That happened despite his insistence that he doesn't do social media. The Steelers have also totally misused his talent on offense over the past two seasons. That happened despite the visual evidence that he is the best offensive weapon they possess, and he is unhappy about it.
“It ain’t really fun losing,” Pickens observed. “I don’t really know what reaction you guys would expect. If you lose at a video game, if you lose at anything you participate in, you are going to be mad. That’s the biggest component of it.”
Sports have changed dramatically since the advent of participation trophies and the abolishment of dodgeball. Old school fans lament the "softness" of the modern athletes they created. Leo "The Lip" Durocher, the famous baseball manager, once quipped, "Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." Durocher couldn't get a job managing a Little League team with that attitude in 2023. Chuck Noll was not as harsh as Durocher, but had no tolerance for divas. Terry Bradshaw wanted Noll to hug him and give him emotional support. The legendary coach had his own ideas.
“If I have to motivate you, I will fire you,” Noll told his team in the 1970s.
Pickens has natural gifts that are being wasted. He is an aggressive young player who is an excellent blocker in the run game. It would be a productive way to channel his anger at limited opportunities, but Matt Canada and now Eddie Faulkner often take him off the field and substitute Miles Boykin. A wiser coaching staff might encourage him like Bill Cowher once encouraged Hines Ward's aggression in a very different NFL.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Unveils Shocking Take About Steelers Tradition
The past week has been marked by Ben Roethlisberger questioning if the Steelers tradition is dead. He has come under fire from the national media, which has substantially eroded their credibility over the last decade. Fans of the black and gold are still frustrated with the mindless and seemingly endless lazy takes that Steelers fans should be happy with going 9-8 and three playoff wins since Super Bowl XLVI. Pickens might have a point about the media, but the coverage surrounding him is not the vehicle to make it.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens (14) celebrates a two-point conversion against the Indianapolis Colts in 2022.
The mismanagement of Pickens's career so far by the Steelers is a mystery. The Steelers wide receiver is a little disingenuous about his frustrations being solely motivated by team struggles. The NFL is a business, and Pickens is just one year away from being able to negotiate his second contract. The free agent market for receivers has gone bonkers, and Pickens will not be able to maximize his opportunity if he continues to be an afterthought in the Steelers' offense. It would be a sad day story if that happened.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is the media making up stories about Pickens? Please comment below, or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq.
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