It’s always hard to say goodbye. And even harder when the one you let go reminds you why you fell in love with them in the first place. Pittsburgh Steelers fans know that feeling all too well right now.
While Mike Tomlin and his crew were focused on returning home safely from their 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, plenty of fans back in the States were glued to the Sunday Night Football broadcast. What they saw was both beautiful and painful: George Pickens reminding the world of his talent.
The former Steelers receiver put on a show under the bright lights as the Dallas Cowboys battled the Green Bay Packers. His acrobatic ball skills were as sharp as ever, his route running crisp, and his competitive fire impossible to ignore. Pickens looked like the same player Pittsburgh once envisioned as the future of their receiving corps.
When the Cowboys needed a spark, Pickens provided it — just as he once did in black and gold.
Two big receptions before halftime, including a 15-yard snag that gave Dallas the lead. Later, a 28-yard touchdown catch late in the game helped Dallas extend the game to overtime. By the end of the night, his stat line read eight receptions, for 134 yards, and two touchdowns. It was electric, vintage Pickens. And for Steelers Nation, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to watch a former star thrive elsewhere, especially one who once wore the Terrible Towel with pride.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a great developing receiver in George Pickens
Pickens was supposed to be our guy.
A homegrown weapon with the swagger and raw skill to define a new era of Steelers football. His highlight catches were the stuff of legend, and for two seasons, he gave fans something to believe in — finishing his Pittsburgh tenure with 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns.
But talent wasn’t the problem.
The issue, as many remember, was attitude. Pickens’ frustration with the offense often boiled over publicly. There were sideline outbursts, cryptic social media posts, and growing tension with the coaching staff. Eventually, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin decided enough was enough, trading Pickens to Dallas for a package that many fans now feel wasn’t worth it.
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Still, seeing him succeed brings mixed emotions. On one hand, it’s validating — the kid is everything we thought he’d be. On the other hand, it’s heartbreaking to imagine what could’ve been if things had just clicked in Pittsburgh.
To be fair, the Steelers’ new-look offense is still finding its rhythm under Arthur Smith, and DK Metcalf has done a solid job stepping into the WR1 role. But Pickens was special. His fire, his flair, his confidence — those are traits you can’t teach.
Watching him shine for someone else feels like seeing your old love move on and look happier than ever. You’re proud, but you can’t help but wonder what if.