Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver, George Pickens has had quite a loud 2023 season mixed with troubles and great on field play. Despite his impressive on-field performances, his off-field behavior has garnered significant attention, and not for the right reasons.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) makes a one-handed catch with Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) defending during the first half of the Steelers-Browns game in Week 3, 2022.
Pickens' inability to control his frustrations has come at a steep cost, with reports suggesting that he has accumulated fines exceeding $200,000 during the season. These fines are not just coming from the NFL, but also the Steelers as well.
Pickens' season took a tumultuous turn as he grappled with frustration both on and off the field. His struggles spilled over onto social media platforms, where some unusual activity raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike.
One common incident that attracted attention was Pickens expressing anger after not receiving the football as often as he desired. Additionally, he made controversial comments about not wanting to block for running back Jaylen Warren, citing concerns about potential injury.
However, as the season progressed, a noticeable shift in Pickens' demeanor occurred. Despite not recording a single target in a game against the Baltimore Ravens, Pickens was seen celebrating and displaying excitement for his teammates' successes.
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Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens (14) sulks while fellow receiver Diontae Johnson (18) celebrates his first touchdown since the 2021 season.
This change in attitude was a stark departure from his previous sulking on the sideline when his teammate Diontae Johnson broke his touchdown drought against the Tennessee Titans.
Steelers Played A Big Part In George Pickens' Fines
The cost of Pickens' emotional outbursts became apparent when Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that he had accumulated fines totaling at least $200,000 during the 2023 season. This hefty sum was a combination of fines levied by the NFL and the Steelers, making it an unusually high figure, especially for a player regardless of their contract status.
Jones also shed light on the specific NFL fines incurred by Pickens, totaling $33,441. These fines were publicly available and were related to infractions such as unnecessary roughness and unnecessary conduct. However, team fines and certain league fines are not typically disclosed to the public, leaving room for speculation regarding the total amount of financial penalties imposed on Pickens by the Steelers.
The media scrutiny surrounding Pickens, particularly after his comments about avoiding injury, reached such intensity that Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin felt compelled to address the media on the matter, an unusual occurrence for him. Following this pivotal moment, Pickens seemed to undergo a transformation, with two standout performances that showcased a newfound focus and commitment to the team.
According to Jones, two sources close to Pickens conveyed their belief that he has made significant progress and turned a corner in his behavior and attitude.
"He's in a much better place. He's doing everything asked of him. He's turned the corner and working very hard."
While Pickens is undeniably a talented player with enormous potential, his struggles with emotional control and on-field behavior have come at a substantial cost, both financially and in terms of his public image. The Steelers have played a role in imposing fines on Pickens, emphasizing the importance of discipline and professionalism in the organization.
As Pickens matures and continues to grow as a player and a person, there is hope that he can harness his immense talent while maintaining the composure and self-discipline necessary for success in the NFL. The Steelers, under the guidance of Tomlin, remain committed to helping Pickens reach his full potential and contribute positively to the team's future.
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George Pickens watching himself getting drafted in 2022.
During his 2023 season, Pickens made significant contributions to the Steelers' offense, amassing impressive statistics that included 63 receptions, 1,140 receiving yards, and five touchdowns, while maintaining an impressive average of 18.1 yards per catch. This performance marked a bit of improvement compared to his impressive rookie season in 2022 where he hauled in 52 passes for 801 yards and four touchdowns.
The ongoing narrative surrounding Pickens has centered on his ability to embrace a team-first mentality, aligning with the Steeler ethos, and prioritizing the collective goals over personal ambitions. Currently, indications suggest that the team has growing confidence in his development, as reported by Jones' source.
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