Steelers' Max Starks Disgusted With George Pickens: "Act Like A Number One Receiver"

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered their matchup against the Dallas Cowboys eager to return to the win column. The game opened with a near-highlight deep ball from Justin Fields, but Connor Heyward couldn’t quite haul it in. Fans were especially excited for a big performance from star wide receiver George Pickens, who took the field wearing eye black with the words "open fu***** always". Expectations were high for him to shine under the primetime lights.

Unfortunately, Pickens struggled throughout the game. He finished with just three catches for 26 yards on seven targets—a disappointing performance for several reasons. As the team's top wide receiver, a poor game from him often signals deeper issues with the offense. Pickens, expected to lead by example, failed to step up against the Cowboys.

Pickens also showed noticeable frustration during the game. He was seen sitting with his head down on the sideline, and postgame interactions hinted at teammates calling him out indirectly. Former Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks voiced his disappointment in Pickens’ behavior, sharing his frustrations during the Steelers Network Postgame Show after the 20-17 loss.

"I need wide receivers to stop thinking they're bigger than the game itself," Starks said. "And putting personal statements on your eye black. And then the emotional moments that you go through on the sidelines is not team building. It's not camaraderie. And some guys need to grow up faster than they are. And in this situation, if you wanna be a number one receiver, act like a number one receiver. Don't act like a number three receiver in those moments. Don't shrink in the moment you want the ball."

Pickens' statement on his eye black only added to the criticism following his poor performance. He has been heavily scrutinized for the game, with the eye black becoming a focal point. The Steelers' culture emphasizes putting the team above individual glory, but in Pickens’ three seasons in Pittsburgh, he often seems satisfied only when he's in the spotlight. 

When things don’t go his way, his frustration becomes apparent, leaving Steelers fans concerned about his attitude. Starks didn't hold back, continuing to criticize Pickens for his behavior and lack of team-first mentality.

"You say you're always open. Show me what you get when you are open. Let balls hit your hands. Do something about it. Don't sit there and pout about it. Go block somebody downfield and maybe you get to play-action on the next one. That's a big play. Those are the things that take away from a team when you're not a part of the team, when it's more me than we in the process. So we all know who that wide receiver is. We've talked about him over the last couple of years. He needs to grow up and he needs to show me on the field."

Starks had some harsh criticism for Pickens, and he wasn't the only one. Many pundits have taken issue with Pickens' lack of effort and attitude. While he has shown Steelers fans glimpses of his immense talent, every time it seems like he's turning a corner, something else holds him back.

Steelers' George Pickens Appears To Be In Trouble With The Organization

The performance against the Cowboys was strange for several reasons. Pickens ran a career-low number of routes and wasn't as involved in the offense as many expected. With the Steelers’ wide receiver room lacking depth, Pickens is clearly the most talented skill player on the roster. His lack of effort, limited reps, and Mike Tomlin's cryptic response after the game have left Steelers fans wondering if there’s a deeper issue at play.

Pickens would be wise to heed Starks' advice if he hopes to secure a long-term future in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a history of moving on from talented wide receivers who prioritize themselves over the team, and Pickens seems to be heading down that same path.

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