Behind the Steel Curtain
When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in May, it had already felt like the writing was on the wall for Pickens’ time in Pittsburgh to be coming to a close.
Pickens was never afraid to display his emotions on the field, often causing distractions that led to a decline in his play. A fresh start felt best for everyone, but Pickens clearly still has some hard feelings about his time in Pittsburgh.
Pickens sat down with NFL reporter Josina Anderson after the Cowboys’ overtime victory this past Sunday, in which Pickens was on the receiving end of a crucial touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He wasted no time mentioning his former team. The full interview with Anderson can be found on her YouTube page.
“The last place I was at, just coming in with a group of guys who was good guys but were all rookies.” Pickens said “Got a rookie QB, so I couldn’t really thrive and show the world the potential I have.”
“I had to wait a few years and then it eventually showed. I get to the Cowboys, and then today I get to show it again and we win.”
For Pickens to throw his former teammates, as well as the entire Steelers organization, under the bus shows how he really felt about the Steelers. Pickens was undoubtedly an exciting player for the Steelers, but it is clear that the relationship deteriorated over the years.
The Steelers did not do the best job supporting Pickens, however, as fellow rookie from the 2022 class Kenny Pickett, was less than competent in Pittsburgh. The Steelers never found any type of consistency at quarterback while Pickens was on the roster.
The Cowboys receiver was asked about getting more touches this past week by reporters after being held to 30 yards on three catches in his Cowboys debut.
The first time Pickens got touches and was productive, he made it very clear that Dallas is a place that he feels won’t hold him back anymore, like he believes Pittsburgh did.
