Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens returned to his hometown of Hoover, Ala. to host the inaugural George Pickens youth football camp this past Saturday, according to WVTM 13.
Kids from eight to 15-years-old came out and took part in football drills and games along with getting to meet Pickens. His camp was put on by Pickens and his foundation, GP14.
“That means a lot to me because like you said, they look like me, they from where I’m from. So it’s kind of like I’m talking to myself. You see what I mean, that means a lot to me just to make kids dreams and, you know, give them a lane to where they could do anything. You see what I mean. So that’s kind of what the foundation is about, just for kids, you know, to find a way in life,” Pickens said.
With Diontae Johnson traded to Carolina, Pickens is the longest-tenured wide receiver on the Steelers roster, a mere three years. Pickens received some flak last year for immaturity issues, most notably against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15, when he displayed a lack of effort on a Jaylen Warren run that could have been a touchdown.
After getting bashed by the media and fanbase, Pickens responded with 11 receptions for 326 yards (29.6 average) and three touchdowns in the final three regular-season games. Those numbers happened in just two games, as heavy rain conditions were present in Baltimore during the regular-season finale, and Pickens had no receptions.
“Man, he made some splash plays that was needed. “His pedigree showed, no doubt,” Tomlin said of Pickens after he went off with six receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tomlin is looking for a big year from Pickens, along with the young receiver stepping up into a leadership role. With hosting a youth camp in his hometown, it shows that he’s being a leader off the field, as well.
“And certainly, we’re really comfortable with the trajectory of George Pickens in terms of what he’s going to be able to provide us as a player, not only in terms of playmaking, but what his experience within the room and within this organization provides us,” Tomlin said.
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