Steelers WR George Pickens Blasts Critics, Makes Shocking Confession

The Pittsburgh Steelers wideout made a health decision during the game.

PITTSBURGH -- During his weekly press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged that wide receiver George Pickens could improve his effort during blocking situations after he was caught backing off of a block while Jaylen Warren was attempting to score. The play ended with Pickens's defender making the tackle just before the goal line. 

"That’s one of the examples I’m talking about in terms of obvious room for improvement," Tomlin said.

Well, Pickens has addressed the situation. But instead of trying to deny not giving the play his full attention, Pickens said he was worried about injury, and therefore, he backed off of the defender. 

"I was just trying to prevent the Tank Dell situation, the same thing that happened to (him)," Pickens said. "I ain't want to get an injury. When you stay on the block too low, you can get ran up on very easily."

George Pickens on why he didn’t block for Warren: “I was just trying to prevent the Tank Dell situation, the same thing that happened to (him). I ain't want to get an injury. When you stay on the block too low, you can get ran up on very easily.”

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— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 19, 2023

Dell was injured in a scrum near the goal line during a running play, resulting in a broken fibula. He is set to miss the remainder of the season. 

Pickens then blasted the media for creating a false narrative about his blocking, which he says is the reason it's being scrutinized. 

"All the people that’s questioning my effort, they don’t play football, they do what y’all (in the media) do. ….All that people that got opinions, they’re media, surface guys. None of them play football," Pickens said. 

Pickens has received plenty of criticism around the league, with many national insiders and analysts saying they would consider benching him this week and trading him in the offseason. 

How the Steelers finish the year could decide how they approach the offseason, and if they decide to move on from any players. 

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