Steelers WR George Pickens reveals why he still pulls 'all-nighters'

If the Steelers hope to reach their high aspirations in 2024, wide receiver George Pickens will need a big season.

Many believe the third-year wide receiver needs to mature after displaying his frustrations with Pittsburgh's offense the past two seasons, but he revealed one part of his younger self that isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

"I don't take a lot of time off," Pickens said via Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Sometimes I don't even sleep. I'll pull all-nighters, just thinking about football."

Some have questioned Pickens' commitment to football, but that suggests the opposite.

The Steelers will rely heavily on Pickens to be their best playmaker. Their wide receiver room is quite thin, with veterans Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins and third-round rookie Roman Wilson next in line.

Pittsburgh may add a more established No. 2 wide receiver, but in the meantime, Pickens believes he's in store for a big season in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense.

"I feel like it can benefit a lot," Pickens added. "With this type of mindset or scheme, my job is to just get open."

Despite the Steelers' quarterback carousel of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky last year, Pickens finished the season with 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns.

Pittsburgh has since upgraded that room with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, making Pickens more excited than ever.

"I can only go off of how the quarterback plays. I can thrive more," Pickens stated. "The yardage showed it. I should have made the Pro Bowl."

Pickens believes he's still ascending and we've only witnessed about 80% of his ability. If that's true, he is about to take his game to another level in 2024 and maybe make that Pro Bowl he thinks he deserves.