Exclusive: George Pickens Reveals How He Makes Dak Prescott’s Life Easier
It was – unfortunately, as it relates to George Pickens’ soiled Pittsburgh Steelers-stint reputation – a subtly powerful and touching moment …
That almost nobody saw.
In the midst of the Dallas Cowboys’ 44-24 loss at Denver last week, Dak Prescott tossed an interception that sent the offense trudging to the Mile High sideline.
But Pickens did not trudge.
In a moment not revealed on the national TV telecast, the fourth-year vet sprinted to the emotional rescue of Prescott, spoke to him firmly, and tapped the No. 3 on his own chest.
In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Pickens reflected on the moment and expanded it into a big-picture take on how it’s his job to make Prescott’s football life easier – with the details of how he executes that job.
“It wasn’t about ‘fault’; it was really just about letting Dak know that no matter what, keep going, I’ve got his back.’’ Pickens told me. “To me, that’s one of the best things I can do for my quarterback, it to let him know that there is chemistry and confidence there.’’
“I’ve got Dak’s back.’’
This isn’t about psychology alone, of course. … though Pickens seems to be in a much better headspace than he was in Pittsburgh, where he caught 293 passes for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns during his three seasons – while also catching hell for his reputed bad behavior.
That “baggage’’ is one of the reasons he was traded to Dallas in what essentially amounts to a third-round pick. In Pittsburgh, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced publicly that Pickens needed to “grow up.’’
And now, at age 24, maybe he has.
During his time in Dallas, the Cowboys have raved about Pickens’ positivity and professionalism. And the numbers are through the roof. Through eight games, he’s at 43 catches for 683 yards and six TDs.
The pace? That would be 91 catches, 1,456 yards and 13 touchdowns – Pro Bowl-level stuff.
The eventual payoff? That might be a $30 million APY deal for the scheduled 2026 free agent, with Dallas or his next team.
During the exclusive interview, Pickens told EssentiallySports that he’s presently unconcerned about his next deal; “That’s kinda up to what (team owner Jerry Jones) wants to do,’’ he said. “All I can do is perform at my best.”
Pickens’ “best’’ is in large part about his aforementioned job: Helping Dak succeed.
“One of the first things I learned when I got here,’’ Pickens told me, “is that Dak is a ‘timing QB.’ He needs you to be in exactly the right place, and then he’ll put the ball in exactly the right place. There’s a trust there.’’
EssentiallySports asked Prescott himself about his views on that very subject.
“He makes my job easier,’’ Prescott told me, “from how much space he can create, how he gets open and how 50-50 balls become 70-30 if not higher … He’s a special player … That’s just the guy he is.’’
Prescott (with 16 TDs to five interceptions for 2,069 yards entering the Monday night visit from the Arizona Cardinals) is experiencing an MVP-level season despite Dallas’ 3-4-1 record. If the Cowboys are to make a climb in the standings, it’ll likely be less about their NFL-worst defense and more about Prescott and his weaponry and the way they fit together.
Said Prescott: “Part of it is chemistry. But the chemistry is based on how he’s a hell of a player.’’
Pickens’ bond with All-Pro receiver CeeDee Lamb is a key to all of this; they make each other’s lives easier, too, on and off the field. They became immediate besties upon Pickens’ arrival here at The Star, causing the pair to issue an assortment of nickname possibilities. (“Goodfellas’’ and “Mario Bros.’’ are among those, though they haven’t quite caught on.)
“That’s my guy,’’ says Lamb as part of his campaign to persuade Dallas to re-sign Pickens. “I feel like we’ve grown this bond in a matter of minutes. … I want the best for him … I do want him to win.”
If “GP’’ is somehow retained by the Cowboys long-term? The Dak/Lamb/Pickens trio could be among the NFL’s finest … in part because the positive vibes will be allowed to grow.
One example of what could be on the horizon: Prescott’s fabulous home just a few miles north of The Star has over the years been a site for teammates to gather and to socialize and to work out on his backyard football field.
Pickens’ focus on football has been so intense that he hasn’t had time to visit Casa Dak just yet.
“Maybe we’ll do that during the (Week 10) bye,’’ Pickens told me. “Hang out and work out.’’
And make life easier for all involved.
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