Pittsburgh Steelers Wide receiver George Pickens raised eyebrows Wednesday when he congratulated Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mahomes and Kelce joined Netflix's Stacey Dales to talk about the team's 29-10 victory.
Mahomes threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns, and Kelce had eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown and reached the 1,000 career reception mark during the game .
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Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) hits Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the second half Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
As the two superstars spoke, Pickens interrupted the conversation to pay his respects.
The move sparked controversy among fans. Some praised Pickens for a good game, while others suggested he was a receiver trying to influence a future trade.
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Pickens had three catches on seven targets for 50 yards.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) hug after a game Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
The wide receiver has been a source of frustration this season. He got into a fight with a Cleveland Browns quarterback on one of the final plays of the game last month. He was then given two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the win Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Pickens bacteria earlier this month.
“I can't give you details about what's going on behind the scenes in terms of his growth and development,” Tomlin said. “That's my style, and I'll be fine with it. Being transparent with you guys doesn't really help or accelerate the growth process, and that's my plan, not necessarily to feed the beast.”
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the second half Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
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Wednesday's game was Pickens' first after missing three with injuries.
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