George Pickens: From Georgia Bulldog to Dallas Cowboys Star
George Malik Pickens Jr., born on March 4, 2001, is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL began at Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama, and continued through his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he showcased his talent and potential.
Early Years and High School Career
Pickens attended Hoover High School, where he established himself as a highly sought-after recruit. His performance and potential earned him a five-star rating from On3 Consensus, a testament to his skills and abilities as a wide receiver.
College Career at Georgia
Recruitment and Early Impact
George Pickens was a highly rated recruit. Coming out of Hoover High School, Pickens committed to the Georgia Bulldogs on February 6, 2019. As a Recruit Rivals Industry Rating, he had 97.11 Class2019. During his first three seasons at UGA, he accumulated over 1,200 receiving yards.
2021 Season and ACL Injury
Pickens faced a setback in the spring of 2021 when he tore his ACL, causing him to miss a significant portion of his junior season. Despite the injury, the Georgia coaches believed in his potential as an impact player. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken noted that Pickens had missed crucial development time due to the injury and previous missed games, emphasizing that he was still a developing player.
Return and National Championship
Pickens returned to play in the final four games of the year. He made a crucial 52-yard reception during the first quarter in Georgia's win over Alabama in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Bulldogs clinched the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship.
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College Statistics
During his time with the Georgia Bulldogs, Pickens showcased his skills and potential, contributing to the team's success.
Draft and "Shiesty" Meme
Pickens declared for the NFL Draft after winning the national championship. On the second night of the 2022 NFL draft, Pickens was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round. His draft night attire - a white T-shirt, blue basketball shorts, and a ski mask - became a viral meme. The look, combined with his nonchalant posture, was later explained by Pickens as a mix of humor and frustration after not being chosen in the first round.
NFL Career
Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-2025)
2022 Season: Rookie Year
Pickens made his professional debut in the Steelers' season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, catching one pass for three yards in a 23-20 victory. In Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, Pickens corralled a one-handed catch while fully extending his body in the air. It was called by some the "Catch of the Year." In Week 4, against the New York Jets, he had six receptions for 102 yards in the 24-20 loss. Pickens scored his first professional touchdown during primetime in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins when he caught a seven-yard pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett.
2023 Season: Controversy and Development
Pickens was on the receiving end of controversy throughout the 2023 season. After the Steelers' victory over the Tennessee Titans, Pickens was criticized for lacking effort on the field. Throughout the previous two games, Pickens only completed three of ten receptions for 21 yards.
2024 Season: Ascending to WR1
Following the 2024 preseason, Pickens was named wide receiver one on the Steelers' depth chart. In his first start of the season during Week 1, he made six catches on seven targets for 85 yards. During Week 2's win over the Denver Broncos, Pickens caught a pass from quarterback Justin Fields to pick up 51 yards and move the ball to the Broncos' six yard line, however it was negated by a holding penalty on right tackle Broderick Jones. He would finish the game with two receptions for 29 yards. Pickens would eclipse his first 100 receiving yard game of the season during the team's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. During the game, he caught seven passes for 113 yards, but failed to score a touchdown. In the final moments of the Steelers' loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens would get his third and final reception of the game. Pickens caught the ball around the 25 yard line and stood in place momentarily before throwing a backwards pass to Isaac Seumalo leading to multiple lateral passes being thrown before time expired with a failed lateral from Pat Freiermuth to Mason McCormick to end the game. Pickens finished the game with three catches on seven targets for just 26 yards, his worst game statistically of the season through five weeks. Pickens would rebound during the Steelers' victory over the New York Jets on October 20. On November 10, Pickens caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson in which he leaped in the air and contorted his body backwards while extending his arms backwards over his head in what was named another "catch of the year" for Pickens. During December 1's win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Pickens was the team's leading receiver with three catches for 76 yards and a touchdown in the first game the Steelers had put up over 40 points in a single game since November 8, 2018. On December 8, Pickens was ruled out of Week 14's victory over the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring injury he sustained earlier in the week during practice. This was the first game of his career in which he did not play. Pickens returned to the field during the Steelers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In the team’s season finale against the Bengals, he made one catch on six targets, as well as dropping three passes.
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Dallas Cowboys (2025-Present)
In 2025 Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
2025 Season: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Recognition
In Week 1 against the New York Giants, Pickens had 9 catches for 134 yards and 1 touchdown, as the Cowboys topped the Giants 40-37. In Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, Pickens had 7 catches for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Cowboys would lose to the Panthers 34-31. In Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Pickens had 6 catches for 103 yards and 1 touchdown, as the Cowboys won 33-16. In Week 12 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Pickens had 8 catches for 123 yards and 1 touchdown, as the Cowboys won 24-21. In Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Pickens had 7 catches for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, as the Chargers won 34-17.
Pickens earned Pro Bowl honors and was named a second-team AP All-Pro. Pickens led the NFC to a Pro Bowl win, earning MVP honors.
Personal Life
Pickens' younger brother, Chris Humes, played collegiately at Arkansas State and is currently on the CFL’s Winnipeg Bombers roster. Pickens is majoring in housing management & policy. He is the recipient of the A.J. Green Family Football Scholarship.
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