Pittsburgh Steelers fans who lived through the '90s know how easy it is to root against the Dallas Cowboys. But it's even easier when 'America's Team' has a few former Steelers who are balling out.
Since May 2025, the Steelers have traded three players to the Cowboys: wide receiver George Pickens, offensive tackle Broderick Jones, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. These players were supposed to help build the foundation of a future contending roster in Pittsburgh. Now they're doing so in Dallas—and their performances should make Steelers fans sick.
Dallas is coming off a blowout win on Monday Night Football on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. In this contest, both Pickens and Porter showed up in a big way.
In the 38-21 victory, Pickens reeled in four catches on six targets for 57 yards and an impressive touchdown catch. Meanwhile, Porter allowed just 10 yards on five targets all game.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans should have a hard time not feeling bitter when watching the Dallas Cowboys
After their Week 7 MNF win, the Dallas Cowboys are now 3-4 and still have a highly questionable defense. But that's not the point; the point is that Steelers fans are left watching a pair of players who should have been part of the next era in Pittsburgh.
It's tough living with the fact that the Steelers traded two young star players before the primes of their careers; it's even tougher watching them steal the spotlight in Dallas with excellent performances.
What hurts the most is that Pittsburgh struck gold on Pickens and Porter in the second round of back-to-back NFL Drafts in 2022 and 2023, respectively. And if you draft well, theoretically, you should be rewarded for your decision to properly evaluate talent and land players who are among the best in the league at their positions.
Sadly, Pickens forced his way out of Pittsburgh because of his attitude and antics. One year later, Porter essentially faked a back injury while holding out to be the league's highest-paid cornerback.
Here's the most ironic part: Pickens and Porter are both playing for the Dallas Cowboys despite not being under contract beyond the 2026 season and having no financial security beyond this year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might be 5-2 right now, but they still don't look like a threatening football team or a true contender. But do you know what would have taken them from good to great? Having players like George Pickens and Joey Porter Jr. on their current rosters in a fleeting championship window with an otherwise aging roster and a soon-to-be 43-year-old quarterback.
It's hard to watch Pickens and Porter keep stealing the primetime spotlight for the Cowboys without being reminded of the painful Steelers trades all over again. This is a feeling that isn't going to go away anytime soon.
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