Miles Boykin, who spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has spoken out about his former teammates Chase Claypool and George Pickens, addressing their public perceptions. Although all three players have since left the organization ahead of the 2026 season, Boykin shared insights into the relationships he had with Claypool and Pickens, aiming to clarify their reputations amid the turbulence that surrounded the Steelers’ wide receiver group.
Boykin emphasized that despite some issues in Pittsburgh, both Claypool and Pickens have been widely misunderstood by fans and media.
Understanding Chase Claypool’s Complex Career Path
Chase Claypool’s tenure with the Steelers began strongly, as he delivered two impressive seasons with over 800 receiving yards each in 2020 and 2021. However, his career momentum faltered after that point, marked by incidents that raised questions about his commitment and relationships within the team.
One of the most notable moments came late in a 2021 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Claypool caught a crucial 4th-and-1 pass with limited time remaining but celebrated the first down instead of promptly positioning the ball for a spike. This decision cost the Steelers valuable seconds in the game, which they ultimately lost 36-28.
In Pittsburgh with Chase, you know obviously there’s things that went wrong. In terms of whether it’s getting along with coaches or whatever things may be,
Boykin said Thursday on the Chipped Ham and Football podcast.
I think he’s very misunderstood as a person, and I think he gets a bad rap. But if you truly met him, sat down and had a conversation with him, you would think he’s one of the nicest people in the world. Because he really is.
This incident from the Vikings game was heavily criticized. Analyst Ted Nguyen tweeted:
Low IQ play. Claypool celebrates instead of giving the ball to the official, ball rolls away, and time is wasted. Then he gets mad at his teammate for some reason.
Pittsburg needed those seconds.
Since his departure from Pittsburgh, Claypool’s career has faced challenges, including moving between teams without significant on-field impact, and he has not appeared in an NFL game since 2023.
Boykin Sheds Light on George Pickens’ Reputation
Boykin also offered a defense of George Pickens, whose behavior and incidents during the 2024 season contributed to the Steelers trading him. Despite off-field issues and visible frustrations on TV, Boykin insists Pickens was a dedicated teammate who practiced with intensity and professionalism.
The thing about George is like, man, he’s another guy that has a bad rap. Because of some of the things he’s done on TV, or some of the things that’s been reported on. At the end of the day, George from the most part, from what I can remember, every practice he was practicing like he was gonna be out there,
Boykin said.
I never had any issues with him, and honestly most people never had any issues with him.
During Pickens’ final season in Pittsburgh, there were several incidents causing friction, such as pulling an opponent’s facemask and arriving late to a critical Christmas Day game after an injury return. Despite these events, Boykin’s perspective reflects a more forgiving view shared by multiple former teammates who believe Pickens was unfairly criticized.
What Lies Ahead for the Steelers’ Receiving Group
The departures of Boykin, Claypool, and Pickens leave the Steelers with significant decisions to make about their receiving corps moving forward. Pittsburgh has endured instability at the wide receiver position in recent years, and the organization will be eager to build a more consistent and cohesive group in upcoming seasons.
Boykin’s comments highlight the complex human side of players often scrutinized for off-field challenges or on-field mistakes. His defense suggests that while Claypool and Pickens faced difficulties during their time in Pittsburgh, both were dedicated individuals who may have been judged harshly by outsiders. As the Steelers prepare for the new era, understanding these nuances could influence how the team manages talent and cohesion in the future.
Low IQ play. Claypool celebrates instead of giving the ball to the official, ball rolls away, and time is wasted. Then he gets mad at his teammate for some reason.
Pittsburg needed those seconds. pic.twitter.com/2dMIVMkw4a
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) December 10, 2021
