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Cowboys Respond to George Pickens Accusation on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 2:32 PM ET

George Pickens and the Dallas Cowboys saw their three-game winning streak come to an end in Week 14, falling to 6-6-1 on the 2025 NFL season after a 44-30 loss to Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions. Now, the Cowboys' playoff hopes have taken a big hit as they prepare for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15's edition of "Sunday Night Football."

Pickens was acquired by Dallas in an offseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his impact on the offense has been felt immediately. In fact, he has outperformed All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb in his first year with the Cowboys, posting 78 catches for 1,179 yards and eight touchdowns, all team highs.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) reacts after making a catch during an NFL gameKirby Lee-Imagn Images

But against the Lions, Pickens struggled, especially after Lamb left the game with a concussion. The former Georgia wideout finished with just five catches for 37 yards, his lowest output since Week 1. And many have called Pickens out for his lack of effort in Week 14, including Seattle Seahawks legend Richard Sherman.

“It doesn’t matter if the game is going your way or not going your way," Sherman said after "Thursday Night Football." You can’t just disappear like that. You can’t be the guy and half-ass it. I’m sorry, it’s unacceptable.”

While Pickens responded to Sherman's comments in a now-deleted Instagram Story, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer doesn't seem too concerned about Pickens' effort levels, responding to the allegations on Monday.

“We talked a little about it," Schottenheimer said. "In his words, he goes, ‘Hey, Schotty, I didn’t play my best game.’ Unfortunately, none of us played our best game. That’s real. But I don’t worry about George and his love for football and playing this game.”

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said he recently had a conversation with George Pickens about several topics, which included his effort in Detroit: “We talked a little about it. In his words, he goes, ‘Hey, Schotty, I didn’t play my best game.’ Unfortunately, none of us played… pic.twitter.com/9xjTDaXQsO
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 8, 2025