George Pickens Bio
George Malik Pickens Jr. is an American professional football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, winning the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship as a junior. Pickens was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
George Pickens was born on March 4, 2001, in Hoover, Alabama. He grew up in nearby Birmingham, Alabama, alongside his older brother, Chris Humes, who played cornerback for the Arkansas State Red Wolves and later the Oakland Raiders in the NFL. Pickens attended Hoover High School, where he excelled in football, recording 69 receptions for 1,368 yards and 16 touchdowns during his senior year. He participated in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game and was a five-star recruit, initially committing to Auburn University before ultimately choosing the University of Georgia. He graduated from Hoover High School in June 2019.
Path to American Football
Pickens began his college football career at the University of Georgia in 2019, where he quickly made an impact by leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. In his freshman year, he caught 49 passes for 727 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite facing challenges, including a torn ACL in 2021 that limited his playing time, he returned to contribute significantly to his team’s success. His crucial 52-yard reception in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship game helped secure Georgia’s victory over Alabama. Following this successful college career, Pickens declared for the 2022 NFL draft.
George Pickens Career
Early Career (2022-2024)
George Pickens was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, being the 52nd overall pick. He made his professional debut in the Steelers’ season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he caught one pass for three yards. In his rookie season, he gained recognition for a spectacular one-handed catch against the Cleveland Browns, which was dubbed the “Catch of the Year” by some commentators. He finished his first season with 52 receptions for 801 yards and four touchdowns.
Breakthrough (2023-2024)
In his second season, Pickens continued to impress, finishing with 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. He led the league in yards per reception with an average of 18.1 yards. His performances included notable games where he recorded significant yardage and touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a key player for the Steelers. However, he also faced criticism for his effort during certain games, which led to public scrutiny and social media attention.
Notable Works and Milestones
Pickens was named to the Pro Bowl in 2025, marking a significant milestone in his career. He also played a crucial role in the Steelers’ playoff run, contributing to their performance in the Wild Card round against the Baltimore Ravens.
George Pickens Award Nominations
Throughout his career, George Pickens has received recognition for his outstanding performances, including his selection to the Pro Bowl in 2025.
George Pickens Awards Won
George Pickens has achieved notable accolades, including being named a College Football Playoff National Champion in 2021 and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2025.
George Pickens Family
George Pickens has an older brother, Chris Humes, who has played professional football. Details about his parents and other family members are not publicly available.
Personal Life
After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, George Pickens moved into an apartment in Pittsburgh with his brother. He gained media attention during the 2022 NFL draft, where his casual attire and demeanor became a viral meme. Pickens later explained that his look was a mix of humor and frustration after not being selected in the first round, showcasing his relaxed approach to the draft process.
