George Pickens vows to ‘work everyday’ to make ‘winning culture’ happen for Cowboys
In a significant offseason move, the Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, signaling a shift towards a more aggressive and dynamic offensive strategy. Pickens, known for his explosive playmaking and strong work ethic, has expressed a deep commitment to fostering a winning culture in Dallas.
On May 7, 2025, the Cowboys finalized a trade with the Steelers, sending a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in exchange for Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick. This move was part of a broader strategy to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer aims to revamp the Cowboys’ offense by focusing on speed and dynamic playmakers, with Pickens playing a pivotal role in this transformation.
Upon joining the Cowboys, Pickens emphasized his dedication to contributing to a winning culture. He stated, “I’m going to work every day to make this a winning culture. It’s not just about me; it’s about the team and what we can achieve together.” This mindset reflects his growth and maturity as a player, transitioning from a raw talent to a leader both on and off the field.
Pickens’ journey has been marked by a strong work ethic and a desire to lead by example. During his time with the Steelers, he was recognized for his commitment to improvement, often arriving early and staying late to hone his skills. His approach to leadership has been described as one that inspires teammates through action rather than words.
A key aspect of Pickens’ integration into the Cowboys’ offense is his developing chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott and fellow wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Pickens and Lamb have previously trained together during the offseason, providing a foundation for effective on-field collaboration. Their complementary skill sets—Lamb’s agility and route-running prowess combined with Pickens’ physicality and deep-threat capability—are expected to create a formidable receiving duo.
Prescott has expressed confidence in the new receiving corps, highlighting the versatility and depth they bring to the offense. He noted that the addition of Pickens allows for more dynamic playcalling and the ability to stretch the field, creating opportunities for both established and emerging playmakers.
Pickens’ leadership extends beyond his work ethic and on-field performance. He has taken proactive steps to integrate into the Cowboys’ locker room, building relationships with teammates and understanding the team’s culture. His willingness to embrace any role assigned by the coaching staff demonstrates his team-first mentality and adaptability.
Former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett emphasized the importance of the Prescott-Pickens connection for the team’s success. He noted that the synergy between the quarterback and receiver is crucial for executing the offense’s game plan effectively.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Cowboys’ revamped offense, featuring Pickens alongside Prescott and Lamb, is poised to make a significant impact. With a renewed focus on speed, playmaking, and leadership, Dallas aims to return to its championship-contending form. Pickens’ commitment to working every day to establish a winning culture aligns with the team’s aspirations, setting the stage for what could be a transformative season.
The Cowboys’ season opener is scheduled against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 5:20 PM PDT. This matchup will serve as an early test for the new-look offense and a preview of the team’s potential under Pickens’ influence.
