The Pittsburgh Steelers got a much-needed bounce-back win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, winning 44-38. With the victory, the Steelers improve to 9-3 on the season and are beginning to make serious noise in the AFC. It was a hard-fought game, and George Pickens played a key role, scoring a touchdown, racking up 74 receiving yards, and making three catches.
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Steelers' George Pickens hauls in a pass along the sideline in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2024 season.
Despite his solid performance, Pickens drew the ire of Steelers fans after being penalized twice during the game—once for taunting and once for unsportsmanlike conduct. These penalties cost the team at critical moments, and Pickens received words of encouragement and guidance from veteran leaders like Russell Wilson and Cam Heyward throughout the game.
After the game, Pickens addressed the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when asked about it. He emphasized that his intentions were never to hurt the team and expressed his belief that the referees had misunderstood his actions. According to Pickens, he wasn’t making a pistol gesture with his hands but instead signaling for a first down, which he felt the officials got wrong. Something even the ref admitted to Pickens he misunderstood.
"Yeah, they said they got the gesture wrong," Pickens said. "You know what I mean? They thought it was something else. You know I can’t hurt the team. I never intend to hurt the team but he just thought the gesture was different."
Pickens told the media that he never wants to put his team in a tough spot. When asked about the gesture the referee believed he was making, Pickens admitted he wasn’t sure. However, it was clear what the referee thought he was doing— a gesture widely used by wide receivers as part of a finger gun celebration. In the NFL, often referred to as the "no fun league," such gestures have been targeted as a focus to eliminate from the game.
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Steelers' George Pickens celebrates with his teammates after a big time touchdown.
Pickens went on to explain the interaction between him and the referee during the unsportsmanlike conduct call. He clarified that his intention was never to taunt or disrespect anyone, but rather to celebrate the play in a way he’s done before. Despite the penalty, Pickens emphasized his focus on helping the team and not putting them in a bad position.
"Oh, I am not sure," Pickens said when asked what the ref thought he was doing. "I was doing the first down and [the referee] said he thought it was something else."
After the game, Mike Tomlin delivered a powerful message to Pickens, telling him he needs to grow up quickly. Tomlin called him out, and Pickens responded well to the challenge. Wilson also admitted he worked to keep Pickens focused throughout the game, and he noted that Pickens took the advice in stride.
Steelers' George Pickens Still Has Some Growing Up To Do According To HC Mike Tomlin
Pickens is undeniably a special talent and one of the top wide receivers in the league. He’s also one of the most fiery and competitive players, and sometimes his passion can put him in tough spots that attract the attention of the referees, potentially hurting the team.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens gets a talking to by Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Both Tomlin and Wilson recognize Pickens' leadership potential and are committed to helping the 23-year-old mature and take on a bigger role as a leader. Pickens has improved in that regard but there is still plenty of work to be done. If anyone can get through to him, it's Tomlin and Wilson. Two of the best leaders in the entire world.
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