In a rare public endorsement, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has come to the defense of wide receiver George Pickens following his trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson, who has previously praised Pickens’ talent and competitiveness, emphasized the importance of understanding the full context of a player’s behavior. He stated, “We love the player that he is. We love the competitor that he is… Is George a bad teammate? Absolutely not. Is George a hell of a player? Absolutely. Is he a great competitor? Absolutely.” (Steelers Now, ClutchPoints)
Pickens, entering the final year of his rookie contract, was traded to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Despite his on-field success, including over 800 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, Pickens’ tenure with the Steelers was marred by disciplinary issues and clashes with fans. (The US Sun)
Wilson’s remarks highlight the complexities of evaluating players solely based on public perceptions. His support underscores the belief that with the right environment and leadership, players like Pickens can thrive and contribute positively to their teams.
As Pickens embarks on this new chapter with the Cowboys, all eyes will be on his performance and integration into the team’s offense. With Wilson’s endorsement, there is hope that Pickens can fulfill his potential and become a key asset for Dallas in the upcoming season.
