Steelers' Ex-WR George Pickens' Father Sparks Uproar With Explosive Social Media Rant: "Go Cowboys"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant decision ahead of the 2025 NFL season by trading away their star wide receiver, George Pickens, to the Dallas Cowboys. The news broke on Wednesday, and since then, Steelers fans have expressed a wide range of emotions, from frustration and confusion to cautious optimism. The fans seem split on the choice to trade Pickens now. Some see it as addition by subtraction, while others believe the team made a mistake moving him right now.

Some fans believe the trade was a smart move that could benefit the team in the long run, pointing to potential locker room concerns or future salary cap flexibility. Others feel the Steelers got fleeced and gave up a dynamic playmaker without receiving enough in return. Despite the divided opinions, the Steelers front office seems convinced that this was a necessary business decision, not just for immediate roster balance but also for long-term team development.

Following the trade, controversy has surrounded Pickens. Several reports have claimed that teams around the league laughed at the idea of making a deal for him, suggesting concerns about his attitude or market value. In response, Pickens’ father, who remains active on social media, quickly fired back, dismissing those reports as false and labeling them as fake news.

When Pickens was going viral during the 2024 season for his behavior former Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver and Steelers rival Chad Johnson actually came out and said he was helping him. 

Pickens dad tagged Johnson to tell him to set the truth straight. He also denied reports that NFL teams laughed at the idea of trading with the Steelers for his son, calling them completely false.

Pickens’ three seasons with the Steelers were filled with electrifying highlights and memorable moments. His departure has left many Steelers fans disappointed, especially because they were looking forward to seeing him paired with newly acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf. That duo had the potential to become one of the most dangerous combinations in the NFL.

Now, Pickens will head to Dallas with a chip on his shoulder, aiming to prove that the Steelers made a mistake. Historically, wide receivers who leave Pittsburgh due to behavioral concerns have struggled to find success elsewhere. However, some believe Pickens has the talent and drive to be the exception to that pattern.

George Pickens Was Not In A Favorable Situation With The Steelers

In Dallas, Pickens will have an opportunity to thrive. With a proven quarterback in Dak Prescott and a star receiver like CeeDee Lamb drawing attention from defenses, Pickens could be in a position to take his game to the next level. In Pittsburgh, he did an impressive job producing despite playing in an offensive scheme that did not favor him. On top of that, he dealt with inconsistent and subpar quarterback play but still managed to showcase his elite talent.

If Pickens can put it all together with the Cowboys, he will be in line for a major payday after the 2025 season. However, if he struggles or if the behavioral issues that followed him in Pittsburgh reappear in Dallas, it could significantly hurt his value in free agency. Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which also played a major role in the Steelers' decision to move on from him. They had no plans to extend him beyond his rookie contract and were simply trying to get something in return.

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