Russell Wilson shared the field with George Pickens for just one season, yet that brief time was enough for the seasoned quarterback to be genuinely impressed by the young wide receiver’s talents. During an appearance on the podcast “7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony,” Wilson spoke warmly and with admiration about his former teammate.
“I’ve got a lot of love for George,” Wilson said. “His hands are special. When a ball is near him, he’s catching it — no questions asked.”
But Wilson’s praise went beyond just Pickens’ remarkable catching ability, which helped the young receiver rack up 900 yards on 59 catches and score four touchdowns during their shared season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The quarterback also highlighted Pickens’ relentless drive to improve and excel, despite occasional on-field behavior that sometimes rubbed Coach Mike Tomlin and fans the wrong way.
“I think people don’t fully understand George,” Wilson added. “He wants to be great — that’s clear. But more than that, I believe he has the potential to become not just great, but the very best in the world. That’s something special inside him.”
Unfortunately, Wilson won’t be around to witness Pickens’ growth firsthand next season. The veteran QB inked a deal with the New York Giants during the offseason, while Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys following the 2025 NFL Draft. This means the two will be opponents on the field when New York faces Dallas twice during the upcoming season.
Still, outside of those matchups, Wilson will be cheering for his former top target from the sidelines. “I’m always rooting for guys I’ve played with — just not when we’re lining up against each other,” he said with a smile. “He’s going to do well in Dallas. I know he’s going to love it there.”
Wilson’s comments reflect a deep respect for Pickens, not just as a teammate but as a player destined for greatness. The quarterback sees in Pickens a rare combination of talent, work ethic, and potential that could elevate him into elite company. Despite the changes in their careers and the inevitable rivalry that will come with it, Wilson’s support remains unwavering.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans of both the Giants and Cowboys will be keeping a close eye on these former teammates turned competitors. Will Pickens live up to Wilson’s high expectations? And how will Wilson fare in his new role leading the Giants? One thing is clear: the story between these two players is far from over, and their shared history adds an exciting layer to their upcoming battles on the gridiron.
In the meantime, Wilson’s words serve as a reminder that behind every highlight catch and touchdown is a player hungry to prove himself — sometimes misunderstood by the outside world, but always determined to succeed. Pickens embodies that spirit, and with Wilson’s endorsement, the spotlight shines brighter on his promising future.
