Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver George Pickens hasn’t shied away from controversy. In his first two seasons with the team, Pickens showcased his immense talent and potential as a dynamic wide receiver. However, he also displayed moments of frustration, most notably when he refused to block for teammate Jaylen Warren during the 2023 season, which landed him in hot water.
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Steelers' George Pickens looks on during an away game against the Colts.
Many Steelers fans have grown concerned about Pickens' attitude and effort. While his talent is undeniable, there have been instances where clips show him not giving full effort, sulking when teammates score, and not always putting the team first. These actions have led to accusations of selfishness, which Pickens has visibly demonstrated on the sidelines at times.
The media hasn’t been kind to Pickens either, largely due to his emotional responses on the field. Recently, Pickens appeared on Fox Sports' The Facility to address how he feels the media portrays him as selfish. According to Pickens, the media hasn’t been truthful about who he really is.
"I know the media and the world want to paint me out as a selfish guy, but really I'm the most unselfish guy in the world."
Pickens certainly appears to be a fiercely competitive player who cares deeply about winning. However, that commitment is sometimes called into question when he’s seen sulking after teammates score in crucial, possible game-winning moments. His visible frustration on the sidelines after such plays seems to contradict the attitude he claims to have.
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Steelers' Justin Fields and George Pickens before their first preseason game together.
On Tuesday, Mike Tomlin announced that Russell Wilson will be splitting first-team reps, potentially paving the way for him to reclaim the starting role. Justin Fields has led the Steelers to a 4-2 record in Wilson's absence, doing a solid job while Wilson recovered from a calf injury. When asked who he’d prefer to have at quarterback, Pickens offered his thoughts.
"They both engineer victory. Really, me coming from Georgia, that's one of the biggest things I only care about, to be honest with you. Winning," Pickens said.
According to Pickens, all he cares about is winning. Having played in the SEC for Georgia under Head Coach Kirby Smart, Pickens is used to success and brings a competitive fire to the game. His frustration at times has been understandable, as it stems from his desire to win.
Since entering the NFL, Pickens has showcased his talent and production, but the offense hasn’t been designed to maximize his abilities. During his first two seasons, he dealt with a poor offensive scheme and inconsistent quarterback play.
Now in his third season, with improved quarterback play, Pickens has continued to display his skills. However, opposing defenses have found it easy to scheme him out of games since he remains the Steelers' only true offensive threat at wide receiver.
Steelers' George Pickens Needs To Prove It With His Actions
For Pickens, the media in Pittsburgh has been tough on him. The only way he can truly change the narrative is through his actions, not just his words. Steeler Nation understands his frustration and wants to see him more involved in the offense. What they don’t understand are the moments when he appears to give less effort or isn’t being a supportive teammate.
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Steelers' George Pickens appears angry on the sideline.
If Pickens wants to be a lifelong Steeler, he’ll need to conduct himself in a more positive way for the good of the team. Otherwise, his time in the Steel City could be short-lived. His talent is undeniable, but he needs to be a better teammate and contribute to the team's success—even when he’s not being targeted.
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