History of George Pickens in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

George Pickens is an American football wide receiver currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a successful college career with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he won the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship. Pickens is known for his impressive athleticism and receiving abilities on the field.

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Full Timeline

March 4, 2001: George Pickens Born

On March 4, 2001, George Malik Pickens Jr. was born. He later became a professional football wide receiver.

Others born on this day/year

November 8, 2018: 40 Points in a Single Game

On November 8, 2018, Pickens was the team's leading receiver with three catches for 76 yards and a touchdown in the first game the Steelers had put up over 40 points in a single game.

November 16, 2018: Highest Stat Line at Hoover High School

On November 16, 2018, George Pickens had five receptions for 202 yards, marking his highest stat line during his time at Hoover High School.

June 2019: Graduation from Hoover High School

In June 2019, George Pickens graduated from Hoover High School.

2019: Leads Georgia Bulldogs in multiple categories

In 2019, as a freshman at the University of Georgia, George Pickens led the team in receptions (49), receiving yards (727), and receiving touchdowns (8).

2021: ACL Tear

In the spring of 2021, George Pickens tore his ACL, causing him to miss most of his junior season.

2022: Viral Meme on Draft Night

In 2022, George Pickens became a viral meme on the second night of the NFL draft due to his casual outfit (white T-shirt, blue basketball shorts, and a ski mask) and nonchalant posture as he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2022: First Season in the NFL

In 2022, George Pickens made his first professional start for the Steelers. He had a notable one-handed catch against the Browns. He finished the 2022 season with 52 receptions for 801 yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns.

2022: College Football National Championship Win

In 2022, George Pickens returned from injury to play in the final four games and made a crucial 52-yard reception in Georgia's win over Alabama in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship game. Following the season, Pickens declared for the 2022 NFL draft.

2022: Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2022, George Pickens was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2022 NFL draft.

2022: National Championship & NFL Draft

In 2022, George Pickens won the College Football Playoff National Championship as a junior with the Georgia Bulldogs. He was also selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.

2022: Moved to Pittsburgh with Brother

In 2022, after being drafted by the Steelers, George Pickens moved into an apartment in Pittsburgh with his older brother, Chris Humes.

2023: Second NFL Season

In 2023, George Pickens had a strong season, including notable performances against the Browns and the Ravens. He finished the season with 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. He led the league in yards per reception with 18.1 in 2023.

2023: "Free Me" Controversy

In 2023, after the Steelers' victory over the Tennessee Titans, George Pickens was criticized for a perceived lack of effort. He responded by posting "free me" on his Instagram story and deleting Steelers-related posts, later clarifying that it was not directed at the team.

2024: Named Steelers Wide Receiver One

Following the 2024 preseason, George Pickens was named wide receiver one on the Steelers' depth chart. He experienced highs and lows throughout the season, including a 113-yard game against the Colts but also a statistically poor performance against the Cowboys.

May 7, 2025: Traded to Dallas Cowboys

On May 7, 2025, George Pickens was traded by the Steelers, along with a 2027 sixth round pick, to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third round pick and a 2027 fifth round pick.

February 27, 2026: Franchise Tagged by Cowboys

On February 27, 2026, the Dallas Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on George Pickens.

2026: Part of Trade Agreement

In 2026, George Pickens was the subject of a third round pick that was traded by the Dallas Cowboys to the Steelers, along with a 2027 fifth round pick, for George Pickens and a 2027 sixth round pick.

2027: Part of Trade Agreement

In 2027, George Pickens was included as a sixth round pick that was traded by the Steelers, along with George Pickens, to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third round pick and a 2027 fifth round pick.