Steelers’ George Pickens doesn’t know about NFL policy on black eye messages: ‘I’ve never seen it before’
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The NFL’s rule prohibiting players from adding messages to black eyes during games apparently wasn’t on George Pickens’ radar.
The third-year Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback with a black eye during the Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys put on a clear name.
The dark line of eyes, which stretched under his eyes, said, “keep f—ing on.”
“I’ve never seen (the law) before,” said Pickens when asked if he knew the policy of this department that affects black people. “Have you seen it before?”
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ George Pickens stands on the sideline during the national anthem before the NFL preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium Aug. 11, 2023, Tampa, Fla. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The reporter then talked about the fine Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward had to pay in 2015 when he wrote his father’s nickname on his black eye. Cam’s father, Craig, played in the NFL from 1988-1998 and went by the nickname “Ironhead.”
The 23-year-old Pickens lashed out at his teammate’s penalty, saying, “Years ago, when I was out of the league? So, no.”
Pickens said he was “black-eyed” when asked if there was any purpose in the decision and said he had not heard from the league about possible fines.
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The black eye was part of an eventful night for Pickens, who leads the Steelers in receptions and yards by a wide margin.
Pickens also pulled Dallas linebacker Jourdan Lewis down by his mask on the final play of the game and hit his helmet so hard at the end of a scoreless Pittsburgh possession that it rolled onto the bench.
“You know when it’s third down and you don’t convert, (you’re frustrated),” Pickens said. “And many fans (were angry).”
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens runs off the field against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh Oct. 6, 2024. (Photos by Barry Reeger/Imagn)
Pickens played a career-low 34 snaps, which coach Mike Tomlin described as handling the load. Pickens sat alone on the bench for much of the second half. Injured veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson was one of the few teammates who checked him out.
“You definitely have to feel for him,” Steelers linebacker Justin Fields said. “He is passionate about the game. …The main thing is to be patient and wait for the ball to come to him because at the end of the day the defenders know that we are trying to get him the ball. “
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens (14) catches the ball in front of Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. (Photos by Barry Reeger/Imagn)
Pickens said he doesn’t mind the dip in playing time and puts the onus on the scheme put together by first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“It’s not for me,” Pickens said. “It all lies in Art.”
Smith downplayed his decision, revealing that he limited snaps to players like Derrick Henry and wide receiver AJ Brown while serving as offensive coordinator at Tennessee to keep them young.
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While Tomlin lamented his team’s inability to make “splash” plays on the ground — Pittsburgh’s longest drive against the Cowboys was a 21-yard reception by Pickens — Smith doesn’t think limiting Pickens’ playing time will also limit the Steelers’ ability to gain yardage. big pieces.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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