Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has gotten himself into some hot water after declining to block for running back Jaylen Warren on a red-zone run in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts last weekend.
Warren was stopped near the goal line on the pivotal play as a result, and afterward, Pickens excused his actions by saying he didn’t want to get injured. Warren didn’t want to hear it, stating that if roles were reversed, he would have blocked for Pickens.
Now, former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher has expressed his own concerns about Pickens.
“It is disappointing to see and hear what George Pickens talks about,” Cowher said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show this week. “Culture is about commitment and sacrifice. … I could never imagine a player at all not performing and giving everything.”
Current Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin was careful with his words when discussing Pickens with the media, but he was clearly not happy with the wide out’s actions and said that he is a work in progress.
This is not the first time Pickens has caused some controversy this season.
Earlier in the year, the 22-year-old took to social media to post “Free Me” after logging just two catches in a win over the Tennessee Titans. Key word: win. He has also expressed visible displays of frustration on the field, which Tomlin made note of.
George Pickens, who played his collegiate football at the University of Georgia, was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He had an impressive rookie campaign, catching 52 passes for 801 yards and four touchdowns. Through 14 games this year, he has hauled in 52 receptions for 814 yards and three scores.
Pittsburgh is 7-7 this season and has lost three straight gams to fall out of the AFC playoff picture. The Steelers can still make the playoffs, but it will be tough.
They can start by beating the Cincinnati Bengals—who currently hold the second Wild Card spot in the conference—on Saturday afternoon.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
