Healing from a heartbreaking divorce is hard enough, but for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, seeing their former star George Pickens in a Cowboys uniform during minicamp is a different kind of pain. Watching him mesh with his new squad in real-time? That’s enough to make someone pull their hair out.
Pickens, now sporting silver and blue, looked genuinely happy in front of the media. When asked what makes the Cowboys “work,” his response hit harder than expected:
“Just the guys and the team speed,” Pickens said. “The team speed applies to the scheme too. If you got a lot of fast guys, you’re gonna definitely have a different scheme.”
Ouch.
He even added that this was the fastest receiving corps he’s been around since his days at Georgia — a clear jab at his time in Pittsburgh. And to be fair, he’s not wrong.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will miss George Pickens even if he does not miss them
The Steelers have lacked true speed threats in recent years, and Pickens’ comments only highlighted what many fans already knew.
During his time in the Steel City, the former second-round pick hauled in 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns across 48 games. He was Pittsburgh’s go-to target for years, often without a reliable quarterback to help unlock his full potential.
That chapter has now closed, and Pickens is embracing what lies ahead.
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It stings, sure. But at the same time, I can’t fault him for speaking the truth. The Cowboys’ offense rosters many explosive athletes. They possess quick-strike potential — something that Pittsburgh has been slow to evolve toward.
I genuinely hope Pickens shines in Dallas. Even if his words landed like a punch to the gut, they were honest. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll serve as a wake-up call for Pittsburgh’s front office.
Because while the Steelers pride themselves on toughness, loyalty, and tradition — it might be time they start prioritizing speed, too.