In his first comments since the Steelers’ loss to the Cowboys, wide receiver George Pickens downplayed questions about the explicit message on his eye black and an altercation with Cowboys defensive back Jourdan Lewis.
During the game, Pickens wore black eyes displaying the message “Open F—ing Always” and was involved in a post-game incident where he pulled Lewis down by the facemask after a failed hook-and-lateral attempt. When asked about the message, Pickens dismissed its significance, saying, “It’s just eye black” and indicated he didn’t expect repercussions from the NFL.
The NFL is reportedly reviewing Pickens’ eye black for a potential fine, as the league prohibits personal, unapproved messages on players’ uniforms. When asked about the policy, Pickens claimed ignorance, stating he had never seen the rule and dismissing a comparison to teammate Cameron Heyward’s 2015 fine for wearing eye black honoring his late father. Pickens was nonchalant about the possibility of consequences and gave no substantial explanation for his confrontation with Lewis, stating, “Nothing” happened.
Pickens also addressed his limited playtime against the Cowboys, where he only participated in 34 snaps, the lowest of his career. He explained that the reduced usage was part of the team’s game plan, a decision made by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Pickens suggested that his involvement was out of his control, deferring questions about increasing his workload to Smith. Despite the decrease in snaps, Pickens maintained that the strategy was typical and not an indication of any issues.
Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, confirmed that the snap count was a strategic decision and likened it to similar approaches he had used with other star players in the past.
Smith emphasized that managing snap counts is a common tactic, aimed at maximizing player performance and ensuring the team’s overall game plan remains flexible. He assured that Pickens’ role remains vital, pointing out that Pickens is still among the league leaders in passing targets, suggesting the strategy was not a reflection of dissatisfaction with the receiver.
Although Pickens showed visible frustration during the game, slamming his helmet and appearing dejected on the bench, Smith downplayed any concerns about the player’s emotions. Smith remarked that Pickens is an emotional player and such behavior is typical in competitive environments. Pickens, however, shifted blame to referees when asked if he was handling the emotional ups and downs of the game better this season, implying that questionable officiating was a contributing factor to his frustration.
