Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had some pointed comments this week during OTAs with his new team, the Dallas Cowboys.
“It’s super refreshing with a different culture,” Pickens said in a interview with the Dallas media posted to DallasCowboys.com.
The 24-year-old wideout certainly had his moments of brilliance in Pittsburgh, flashing big-play ability and highlight-reel catches. However, his time with the Steelers was often overshadowed by off-field issues and behavioral concerns.
Pickens frequently drew headlines for the wrong reasons, whether it was showing up late to games, clashing with coaches, or posting cryptic messages on social media.
His immaturity and inconsistent professionalism never seemed to align with the organizational culture the Steelers pride themselves on. Still, Pickens believes the criticism was blown out of proportion.
“I’m a chill guy and I just love to work,” he said.
That quote runs contrary to much of the narrative that followed him in Pittsburgh. Whether the drama was media-driven or rooted in truth, it’s clear that both sides were ready to move on. The Steelers dealt Pickens during the offseason, and now both he and the team appear content going in separate directions.
Pickens is not the first talented receiver to flame out in Pittsburgh under similar circumstances. The departures of Antonio Brown, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool followed a comparable script, early promise, rising tensions, and eventual exit. It raises the question of whether something within Mike Tomlin’s locker room culture might be contributing to these patterns. Is it a failure to manage personalities, or simply the byproduct of trying to mold strong-willed talents into a team-first mindset?
Now in Dallas, Pickens joins an explosive Cowboys offense where he will line up alongside All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb. The change of scenery could prove to be just what he needs. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ wide receiver room remains a work in progress. Although they landed Seahawks star DK Metcalf in a major trade, the rest of the depth chart remains uncertain, with no clear No. 2 option on the opposite side.
It will be fascinating to see how Pickens responds to the new environment. He is an exceptionally gifted receiver, with the tools to be among the league’s best. The only thing that has seemingly held him back so far has been himself. If he can cut down on the distractions and focus on football, Dallas might have landed a star on the rise.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: George Pickens Takes Parting Shot at Steelers: ‘Super Refreshing with a Different Culture’
