Steelers' George Pickens' Father Gives Advice To The Organization

Pickens' talent is undeniable, and he’s a fan favorite among many Steelers supporters. Pickens has previously expressed how much that admiration means to him, and he's voiced his desire to achieve greatness in Pittsburgh. However, there's growing concern that the Steelers won’t hesitate to move on from the star wideout if he doesn't put the team first, as they’ve done in the past. Many fans viewed Pickens' performance—both on and off the field—on Sunday night as selfish.

Reports surfaced alleging that Pickens was sulking on the sideline, even when Connor Heyward scored a touchdown. That's not the first time Steeler Nation has heard Pickens sulked after a teammate scored. If true, it doesn’t reflect well on him. His attitude and effort have been questioned since the 2023 season, and he’ll need to rein in his emotions if he wants to secure a long-term future in Pittsburgh. Historically, the Steelers don't tolerate that kind of behavior.

Pickens' father insists that his son is misunderstood. It's true that Pickens is a passionate player who wants to win. In his defense, his situation hasn’t been ideal. He’s dealt with poor offensive systems and inconsistent quarterback play during his first two seasons. He and Justin Fields seemed to be building chemistry before the tough game against the Cowboys. 

Pickens also had his reps managed during the game, a rare occurrence for a young wide receiver of his caliber. It's especially puzzling when you consider the current state of the Steelers' wide receiver room. Pickens is easily their most talented offensive weapon, and the fact that he wasn’t on the field for every passing play left fans scratching their heads. This led to speculation that Mike Tomlin may have been quietly punishing Pickens for some reason.

Tomlin publicly denied any behind-the-scenes issues, but many fans remain skeptical. The situation with Pickens felt off, and the entire game had a strange vibe. Fans couldn’t help but wonder if Pickens' apparent lack of effort was affecting the team’s energy.

Steelers Do Need To Get George Pickens Involved Early And Often

Pickens’ father has defended him, making some valid points. It’s clear that the Steelers should be targeting Pickens 10 or more times a game, and not just late in the game—early and often. Pickens’ frustration stems from not being involved enough in the offense, but he needs to control that frustration for the team’s sake. 

There's no denying his incredible talent and passion for the game. Off the field, he’s known to stay up all night thinking about football, which speaks to his dedication.

The key for Pickens now is to channel that competitive fire in a positive way for the team. If he can do that, his potential to become a great wide receiver in Pittsburgh is undeniable.