Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Allison Koehler

Steelers WR George Pickens snubbed shining example set by Diontae Johnson

Diontae Johnson went 1.5 seasons without a touchdown. It’s probably one of the most dejecting things to happen in a wide receiver’s career. The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver was criticized up and down, far more than George Pickens has. He didn’t overreact — he supported his teammates who were finding success.

On Thursday night, Johnson caught the game-winning touchdown in the Tennessee Titans brawl, marking his first touchdown grab since Week 17 of the 2021 season (from Ben Roethlisberger, mind you) — a gap of 665 days and 21 games between scores.

After the score, video showed Pickens walking away as Johnson, Allen Robinson and Kenny Pickett celebrated the streak snap. He was later seen slouched on the bench with a towel over his head as Johnson stood before him on the sideline.

Pickens enjoyed career games in Johnson’s absence: Three 100+ yard outings. Since Johnson’s return from injured reserve two games ago, his numbers are 21 yards and a touchdown. His frustrations are understandable, but there are other ways to vent — behind closed doors and in adult conversations with teammates.

There’s no need to be jealous of Johnson’s success. That’s for PeeWee football. He’s 22 now and playing at the highest level of the sport.

Pickens draws a lot of attention from the opponent’s defense, allowing Johnson more freedom to do his thing. He should take pride in that. And maybe, just maybe, support your brothers when good things happen.

 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.