Former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout George Pickens seems to have straightened out his attitude and demeanor … at least for now … during his trip from Pittsburgh to Dallas.
Pickens mostly said all the right things during his introductory press conference in Dallas – the first time he’s met with the media after his trade to the Cowboys.
After a tumultuous three seasons in Pittsburgh, Pickens was hesitant to discuss his past troubles there.
“I’m where I’m at right now. I can’t look into the past,” he said.
Pickens’ time with the Steelers was marred by what were described as “maturity and accountability” issues, collecting over $200,000 in NFL and team fines in 2024 alone. Multiple reports out of Pittsburgh said head coach Mike Tomlin had to publicly reprimand Pickens more than once.
The three-year veteran was asked about those from the outside forming opinions of him in Pittsburgh based on reports of his behavior.
“I can’t change anyone’s opinion,” Pickens said, speaking out to the DFW media via the team’s website. “Me, personally, I just continue to grow. Everyone in the world has to grow as you get older and older. I’m just trying to build a winning culture, which they already have at the Cowboys. I’m just glad to be joining.”
The former Georgia Bulldog told reporters he found out about the trade “when everyone else found out.” Pickens also noted he feels good about the trade in the short time he’s been with the Cowboys.
“I feel great,” Pickens said. “I like the mojo here. I like the swag. There’s a lot of new players I’ve been meeting. I feel like they have a good thing going, for sure.”
For now, at least, Pickens refuses to bash his former team and teammates.
“This game is just as much of a business as it is football,” Pickens said. “It was kind of out of my control. I’m just glad to be here in Dallas and continue the winning culture that they have.”
If that’s the “new” George Pickens, then the Cowboys could be on to something.