The Pittsburgh Steelers know exactly what star wide receiver George Pickens is capable of when he’s fully engaged. But when he’s unhappy about not getting the ball, Steelers fans have seen him check out of games—both in terms of effort and, at times, literally. In the game against the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens ran the fewest routes of his career.
This was especially puzzling given the weakness of the Steelers’ wide receiver room, with Pickens being far and away their most talented offensive weapon. Not keeping Pickens on the field for every passing play was very questionable. After the game, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Pickens’ limited routes. While some speculated he was being disciplined, Tomlin reassured the media that it was simply load management.
However, it’s unusual for a young receiver like Pickens—particularly in this thin wide receiver corps—to be load-managed, which led many fans to suspect there’s more to the story. One possible explanation emerged on Wednesday, when Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Pickens has reportedly shown up late to work several times already this season.
"A source told the Post-Gazette Pickens has shown up late for work on multiple occasions this season. Antonio Brown was notorious for being late, but Tomlin never reduced his snap counts."
That’s not encouraging news for Steelers fans. Pittsburgh has a history of troubled wide receivers. While the team has seen no shortage of talent, there have been instances where great receivers have prioritized their personal interests over the team’s success. The Steelers have shown they’re willing to part ways with talented wideouts who aren’t fully committed to the team.
Some fans are beginning to wonder whether Pickens will receive a new deal when his rookie contract expires. He’s undeniably a remarkable talent, as evidenced by his impressive performance over his first three seasons. Despite playing in a struggling system with an inconsistent quarterback, Pickens has still managed to produce. However, concerns about his attitude and effort have also surfaced, leading to uncertainty about his future with the team.
It's perfectly natural for Pickens to want the ball—after all, that's what a star wide receiver should desire. However, it's crucial to remember that putting in hard work and blocking for teammates is just as important. Being a team player matters and Pickens, at times, hasn't been that.
Steelers' George Pickens Reportedly Sulked When Teammate Scored
Unfortunately, Pickens displayed a lack of effort during the game against the Cowboys, and his attitude reportedly left much to be desired. Reports even emerged that he sulked after teammate Connor Heyward scored, raising concerns about his commitment to the team.
There’s no room for that kind of behavior in the NFL, especially in Pittsburgh. When you factor in the reports of him being late to work multiple times during the 2024 season, it raises questions about whether that played a role in his reduced reps against the Cowboys. While Tomlin may not explicitly label it as punishment, it certainly seems like Pickens was facing some consequences for something.
Steeler Nation is hoping Pickens can turn things around both on and off the field. He’s an ultra-competitive player, and it’s clear why he’s felt frustrated at times; many Steelers fans empathize with his anger. However, he needs to channel that competitive spirit into a more positive approach for the benefit of the team and himself.
