Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens raised eyebrows Wednesday when he congratulated Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mahomes and Kelce joined Netflix’s Stacey Dales to talk about the team’s 29-10 win.
Mahomes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, and Kelce had eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown and reached the 1,000-career reception mark during the game.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) hits Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the second half Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
As the two star players were talking, Pickens interrupted the interview to give his respect.
The move sparked a debate among fans. Some praised Pickens for good sportsmanship, while others cynically suggested it was the wide receiver attempting to influence a future trade.
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Pickens had three catches on seven targets for 50 yards.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) embrace after a game Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
The wide receiver has been a source of consternation this season. He got into a fight with a Cleveland Browns player on one of the last plays of a game in a matchup last month. He was then flagged for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Pickens’ antics earlier this month.
“I’m not going to give you any detail about what goes on behind the scenes in terms of his growth and development,” Tomlin said. “That’s my style, and I’m going to be really consistent in it. Being transparent with you guys doesn’t necessarily help or accelerate the growth process, and that’s my agenda, not necessarily feeding the beast.”
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the second half Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Wednesday’s game was Pickens’ first after missing three with injuries.
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