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Cowboys’ George Pickens Speaks Out on Shocking Hateful Post and Meets Jerry Jones

Posted on May 12, 2025 - 9:42 am by

Background of the Incident

George Pickens, the rising star who recently joined the Dallas Cowboys from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a high-profile trade, has found himself at the center of controversy following a comment allegedly posted by him that went viral. The comment, a screenshot from Pickens’ personal Instagram account (@1.issue), accused the Pittsburgh Steelers of being the “cheapest organization” in the NFL, sparking speculation about his attitude toward his former team. This incident occurred shortly after Pickens was traded to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick, marking a significant turning point in the 24-year-old’s career.

Pickens, once regarded as one of the NFL’s most promising wide receivers with his exceptional deep-ball catching ability, has faced criticism for his behavior and attitude in the past. During his time with the Steelers, he was seen as immature at times, with penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and lapses in focus during critical moments. As a result, the alleged comment further fueled perceptions that Pickens might be carrying resentment from Pittsburgh to Dallas.

George Pickens’ Response

Upon arriving in Dallas, Pickens quickly addressed the controversy. In an Instagram Story post, he called the accusations from Steelers fans “lies” and denied posting the negative comment about his former team. Pickens wrote: “I was on a plane, no service. Landed to all these lies from Pittsburgh fans. Don’t use AI to make up stories.” He also expressed gratitude toward the Steelers, stating: “I’m happy with everything Steel City did for me,” while extending Mother’s Day greetings.

Pickens’ response indicates his desire to quash negative rumors and focus on his new chapter with the Cowboys. During his introductory press conference with the Dallas media, he displayed a positive attitude, emphasizing his goal to build a “winning culture” with his new team. He said: “I feel great. I love the vibe here, the energy. I’ve met a lot of new teammates. I think they’ve got something really special going on.”

Meeting with Jerry Jones

Around the same time, Charlotte Jones, daughter of Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, shared a photo of Pickens with the Jones family, signaling a warm welcome from the team’s leadership. Although Pickens noted during the press conference that he had not yet spoken directly with Jerry Jones, he had engaged in discussions with coaches, including new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. These conversations focused on fostering team cohesion and defining Pickens’ role alongside star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

According to some reports, Pickens made a “bold promise” to Jerry Jones upon his arrival, committing to prove his worth on the field before thinking about a contract extension. With his rookie contract (worth $4.1 million for 2025) nearing its end, Pickens appears focused on delivering strong performances to secure a long-term deal in the future.

Pickens’ Potential Impact on the Cowboys

Pickens’ arrival is expected to inject new energy into the Cowboys’ offense, which has been seeking a reliable No. 2 wide receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 200 pounds, with an impressive ability to make explosive plays (averaging 16.3 yards per catch), Pickens poses a significant threat to opposing defenses. Paired with Lamb, he could form a formidable wide receiver duo, alleviating pressure on Lamb and creating more opportunities for quarterback Dak Prescott.

Former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett commented that Pickens is the type of player Jerry Jones loves: talented but with a history of challenges elsewhere. Garrett believes the environment in Dallas, guided by Prescott and the team’s culture, will help Pickens maximize his potential. “This is a chance for him to build a relationship with Dak, and if it works, he’s going to get a lot of opportunities to shine,” Garrett said.

Challenges Ahead

Despite Pickens’ efforts to clear his name and project positivity, questions about his character remain. Over three seasons with the Steelers, he accumulated 10 penalties totaling over $123,000 in fines for actions such as taunting, altercations with opponents, and inappropriate displays. His lack of focus, such as arriving late for games, also drew public criticism from coach Mike Tomlin. These issues will test Pickens’ ability to adapt to the Cowboys’ culture, which is striving for discipline and unity under Schottenheimer’s leadership.

Additionally, the fact that both Pickens and Lamb are high-target receivers could lead to internal competition for touches. However, Pickens dismissed these concerns, stating that he and Lamb will “support each other” to create an explosive offense. “There’s no ‘he gets the ball, I get the ball.’ We work together to win,” he said.

Conclusion

George Pickens’ trade to the Dallas Cowboys represents not only a pivotal moment in his career but also a gamble for Jerry Jones and the franchise. With proven talent and a determination to reshape his image, Pickens has a golden opportunity to become a key piece in the Cowboys’ quest to return to the top. However, to succeed, he must overcome lingering perceptions about his character and prove he can integrate into the team’s culture.

His meeting with the Jones family and initial positive remarks are encouraging signs, but the field will ultimately provide the final verdict. Can Pickens turn his “bold promise” into reality and help the Cowboys conquer the NFC East? Fans are eagerly awaiting the answer in the 2025 season.