Cowboys Crack the Code on George Pickens — Something Mike Tomlin Could Never Do!

George Pickens’ talent was never in doubt. His attitude? That’s another story. In Pittsburgh, the gifted receiver became known as much for his sideline sulks as his jaw-dropping catches. But in Dallas? He’s turning heads for all the right reasons — and leaving Mike Tomlin fans wondering what changed.

The Cowboys’ bold trade for Pickens came with risk. His history of poor body language, on-field outbursts, and selfish plays had made him a lightning rod for criticism. But since arriving in Dallas, he’s been more engaged with teammates and coaches than at any point during his Steelers stint.

In Pittsburgh, it felt like a weekly cycle — Pickens upset with someone: a quarterback, a coach, an opponent. But under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s watch, there’s been nothing to complain about. In fact, Schottenheimer has gone out of his way to praise Pickens — not just for his production, but for a mature, coachable attitude that never surfaced in black and gold.

“He’s been nothing but incredible in the way he’s worked with us, the way he’s communicated with us,” Schottenheimer told The Athletic.

From the start, Pickens set the tone. In their first meeting — shooting hoops in Schottenheimer’s office — Pickens made it clear: “Coach, I’m thrilled to be here. I want to be coached. I want to be great. Lean into me. Be tough on me.”

That’s a 180° from the player who endured three seasons of quarterback roulette in Pittsburgh — from Kenny Pickett to Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson — and often looked checked out.

The season is young, and old habits die hard. But if this version of George Pickens is here to stay, Cowboys fans may be watching the player Steelers Nation always dreamed of — and Mike Tomlin never unlocked.