Former Teammate Fills In As George Pickens Bails On Local Youth Camp After Being Traded By Steelers

NFL wide receiver George Pickens was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. He’s reportedly bailing on prior obligations made while with his former team.

Pickens is said to have bailed on a youth camp at Highmark Stadium last-minute. A former teammate will fill in to take his place.

The George Pickens Youth Football Camp was scheduled to take place on June 28th in Pittsburgh. The wideout was still expected to be a member of the team when that date was originally locked in.

Pickens was traded on May 7th after the Steelers acquired DK Metcalf. He’ll play next season in Dallas after being dealt to the Cowboys for a third-round draft pick.

Those running the camp reached out to the pass catcher a few days after that deal went through. They were supposedly provided reassurance that Pickens would still make an appearance. That changed last week.

WOW!

George Pickens bailed on his sold-out youth camp at Highmark Stadium.
Said he’d go after the trade — then backed out.

But last minute Pat Freiermuth stepped up.

Wasn’t his camp or his job — but he showed up anyway.

That’s a Steeler#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/rySFAwdol3

— The Standard (@TheStandard412) June 25, 2025

“Our team at TruEdge was fully prepared to host a camp this Saturday because we were led to believe George [Pickens] would follow through on his commitment,” a statement read. “His sudden decision to back out not only reflects a disappointing lack of accountability but also shows a disregard for the families and children who were excited to meet him.”

Despite Pickens’ absence, the camp will go on, though it’s been rescheduled to July 20th. Tight end Pat Freiermuth has officially committed to filling the void. TruEdge Sports also reports that it’s been in talks with “multiple other Steelers players” and promises to bring a star-studded lineup to attendees.

George Pickens is a talented wide receiver. Attitude issues led to an NFL Draft slide, with many feeling as though Pittsburgh got a steal by snagging him in the second-round.

Unfortunately, those same issues resurfaced throughout his time as a Steeler. Despite the talent, not many on the team were sad to see him go.

Significant locker room guys got fed up with Pickens’ antics and quickly got turned off by him for multiple reasons… Some felt that it would be counterproductive to keep him around, even with his unique talent. They felt the locker room could turn toxic… Not many were broken up within the organization that Pickens got traded.

-Mark Kaboly / Steelers beat writer

This latest incident will do little to change Pittsburgh’s view of the receiver – especially those unable to make the rescheduled date as the company has chosen not to provide a full refund.

The post Former Teammate Fills In As George Pickens Bails On Local Youth Camp After Being Traded By Steelers appeared first on...