Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens sitting on the bench during a game against the Cincinanti Bengals on Dec. 1, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens crashed out on the sideline after a pass went off of his hands and was intercepted by Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright in the fourth quarter of Chicago’s 31-14 win on Sunday.
The pass was right in Pickens’ hands, but the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver failed to haul it in. Pickens, who’s known to be an emotional player, was frustrated with himself and slammed his helmet twice on the sideline.
Pickens finished with five receptions for 68 yards (13. 6 average) and a touchdown. Pickens made a spectacular one-handed grab on the touchdown reception from Dak Prescott.
In three games, Pickens has caught 13 passes for 166 yards (12.7 average) and two touchdowns.
Pickens, who was traded to the Cowboys this offseason, seems to be very grateful to be on his new team, which has more stability at the quarterback position. On several occasions, Pickens has thrown shade at the Steelers since being traded. He threw another jab earlier this week.
“The last place I was at, just coming in with a group of guys who was good guys but were all rookies, got a rookie QB, so I couldn’t really thrive and show the world the potential I have,” Pickens said. “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.”
Pickens is clearly throwing shade at quarterback Kenny Pickett, who had a less-than-ideal tenure in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers’ No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft rarely lit up the stat sheet, throwing for 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 25 games. He was then traded to the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the 2024 season.
However, Pickens’ disappointing stint in Pittsburgh wasn’t solely on the shoulders of the team’s poor quarterback play. He was a major distraction himself on and off the field.
It was all sunshine and rainbows when Pickens first arrived in Dallas. But with the Cowboys now at 1-2, the former Steelers wide receiver had his first emotional outburst on the sideline.
It will be interesting to see how Pickens’ tenure with the Cowboys plays out. History suggest this won’t be the last time he crashes out.
Aaron Becker contributed reporting for this story.
Mentioned In This Article: Chicago Bears Dallas Cowboys George Pickens Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers Steelers News