Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver, George Pickens has been very polarizing during his first three seasons in the Steel City. Pickens has proved to be a top talent in the NFL at the wide receiver spot, but at times, his attitude and effort have sparked outrage among fans. A moment during the 2024 season, during a tough game for Pickens, summed up the experience of him. Fans were seen yelling at Pickens during a brutal outing, with tight end Pat Freiermuth having to hold him back and calm him down. This scene left many Steelers fans frustrated, questioning whether Pickens has the composure to be a true number one wide receiver.
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Steelers' George Pickens looks on during Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The controversy surrounding Pickens intensified as the season progressed. While his talent is undeniable, the emotional outbursts on the field led to concerns about his maturity and ability to handle the pressure of being the team’s primary playmaker. The Steelers' decision to bring in DK Metcalf via trade seemed like a move to bolster their wide receiver group, and now, the hope is that Pickens and Metcalf will form a lethal duo. Fans are eager to see how the two will mesh on the field, but many are still left wondering whether Pickens can keep his cool under the bright lights.
On Wednesday, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly had Freiermuth on his podcast, Kaboly and Mack, where the tight end gave Steelers fans the direct truth about Pickens. Freiermuth provided valuable insight into the inner workings of the locker room and revealed what it's like dealing with Pickens' fiery personality. His candid remarks may help Steeler Nation understand the complexities of Pickens' character and how he’s working to mature as a player and teammate. The hope is that Pickens can grow from these experiences and live up to the high expectations placed upon him.
"I have talked to GP a decent amount this offseason," Freiermuth said. "You know, GP is a great guy man. He is so great to have in the locker room. Obviously, stuff happens on the field, but that is just part of playing football and being a competitor."
Freiermuth has a deeper understanding of Pickens than anyone in the media. Pickens often faces a lot of unfair criticism, some of which is self-inflicted.
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Steelers' George Pickens claps on the sideline during the Browns game which he had to miss due to injury.
Throughout it all, Freiermuth has consistently stepped up to lead and support Pickens. It’s great for Steelers fans to hear this insight from someone who’s been in the trenches with the polarizing wide receiver.
"He cares," Freiermuth said. "He tries a lot. He works very hard and he’s a he** of a talent as well. Having him and DK on the outside with me in the middle of the field is going to cause defenses a lot of conflict. I know GP is ready to work with DK. GP is never shy of competition. He’s going to rely on DK for his advice and stuff like that, but GP is ready to roll for sure."
Steelers Fans Haven't Been Nice To George Pickens
Steelers fans haven’t always been kind to Pickens. While a strong portion of the fan base defends him, there’s also a group that constantly downplays his value to the team. Pickens has played in a frustrating offensive system with inconsistent quarterback play, yet he’s still managed to produce. On top of that, he’s faced scrutiny that few young players ever experience.
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Steelers' George Pickens appears angry on the sideline.
Hearing Freiermuth’s perspective should help fans better understand Pickens’ situation and encourage them to walk in his shoes. Sometimes, it’s important for fans to appreciate what Pickens brings to the table instead of focusing solely on his flaws. No one’s perfect, and Freiermuth’s insights show that Pickens is fiercely competitive and hates losing. While his emotions sometimes get the best of him, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He just needs to continue finding ways to channel that intensity more effectively.
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