Hated Steelers Rival Offers Advice To George Pickens On Embracing Being The Villain: "I Mastered That S***"

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is taking a lot of heat from fans despite contributing to the team's 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. Pickens had three catches for 74 yards with a touchdown. Quarterback Russell Wilson spread the ball out to 10 different receivers. Pickens was still able to show off his incredible talent. Unfortunately, another side of Pickens keeps emerging, hurting him and his team. Surprisingly, a former rival suggests he might step up and mentor the receiver.   

Against the Bengals, Pickens drew two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Like many receivers, Pickens is flashy and showy. He loves to talk trash and egg opponents on, making him an easy target for the officials. While many fans feel the penalties were ticky-tacky, Pickens is developing a habit of drawing those flags. To make matters worse, there was a missed defensive pass interference call, where Pickens was dragged to the ground, and Cam Taylor-Britt was able to pick off Wilson and return it for a touchdown.  

Fortunately, that interception did not cost the Steelers the game. Still, you never want to give the Bengals a gift. After the game, Pickens didn't say he regretted his actions, but reiterated that he never intended to hurt his team. Now a former Bengals receiver, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson told his podcast partner Shannon Sharpe on their show Nightcap that he plans to reach out to Pickens. 

"I'm gonna hit young bull," said Johnson. "I got Georgie's number. I'm gonna talk to him. Listen, take some of that fun, some of that energy that you display that you're being penalized for, and turn that into entertainment. It's okay to be the villain, enjoy being the villain, embrace being the villain, but do it in a way where it's organized chaos within the game of football. Have fun within the game of football without having to get those penalties. I'm telling you, it's going to pay dividends in the long run."

One of those penalties came after Pickens had a huge 36-yard catch to give the Steelers a first down. He made a gesture towards the stands that looked like he was making a gun with his fingers. 

Pickens later said he was signaling first down, but the officials didn't see it that way. Sharpe said that as a player, you just have to know better. It doesn't matter what you intended; you know it's not allowed. 

"You got to understand and remember those rules when you engaged in war; when you playing," added Johnson. "I'm telling you, I'mma talk to him, I'mma hit him tomorrow. You need to take that same energy and turn it into something else fun, where it's engaging for us and those watching and where it doesn't cost your team. There's a way to do it. I mastered that s***."

Many fans feel that Head Coach Mike Tomlin isn't hard enough on Pickens. Tomlin has repeatedly said that he doesn't share private conversations with the media, which seems reasonable. 

Johnson cautions Tomlin about being too hard on Pickens. The idea isn't to change who he is, but to channel that energy. You don't want to lose the energy that Pickens brings to a game. This is especially true since he is by far the Steelers' best receiver, and they will need him fully engaged to make this last push. 

Steelers' George Pickens Being Given Lots Of Advice

After the missed call when Wilson was intercepted, Tomlin immediately pulled Pickens in and spoke to him privately. Tomlin is well known as a motivator, so you have to assume he was advising him that it was early and to keep his head in the game. 

Wilson gave similar advice after the game, saying he told Pickens that as one of the best, his eyes would be on him and that he had to be extra careful. He said he loved Pickens' enthusiasm and competitive spirit. 

How do you think the Steelers should handle Pickens? Click to comment below.

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