Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer Had A Lot To Say About George Pickens

Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer Had A Lot To Say About George Pickens originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Brian Schottenheimer was promoted as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys after one season as the offensive coordinator, replacing Mike McCarthy. His first preseason game wasn't pretty, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 31-21. But a majority of the Cowboys' starters, including new wide receiver George Pickens, who was traded to Dallas from the Pittsburgh Steelers over the offseason, did not receive a single snap.

Pickens, 24, was known as a locker room problem during his time with the Steelers, arriving late to games and getting into numerous fights. But Schottenheimer has been impressed with the former Georgia Bulldogs star since his arrival in Dallas.

“From the time we got George and we went in my office and spent some time together, shot some free throws, and just talked and got to know each other," Schottenheimer said. "He made it very clear, he was like, 'Coach, I’m thrilled to be here, No. 1. I want to be coached. I want to be great... Lean into me. Be tough on me. Tell me the things I need to do.'"

Schottenheimer proceeded to praise Pickens for his work ethic and communication.

“He’s been nothing but incredible in terms of the way he’s worked with us, the way he has communicated with us," Schottenheimer added.

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer on George Pickens: “From the time we got George and we went in my office and spent some time together, shot some free throws and just talked and got to know each other, he made it very clear, he was like, ‘Coach, I’m thrilled to be here, No. 1.… pic.twitter.com/ndFPu4ibPE

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 12, 2025

In the 2024 NFL season, his third in the league, Pickens was Pittsburgh's top pass catcher. The No. 52 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft tallied 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns.

Not only has Schottenheimer been impressed with Pickens, but Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has as well.

"You turn on that guy's tape, he's getting separation," Prescott said in July. "He's got separation even when he's not getting the ball at times. And when he doesn't have separation, he's still making the catches. "It's not going to be hard. For me, it's about getting the ball near that guy, and he will be George Pickens. Go turn on the tape. He's great at doing it."

The Cowboys will open the year on September 4, facing the Philadelphia Eagles in the first regular-season game of the season.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.