George Pickens Responds to Richard Sherman’s Criticism After Cowboys’ Loss to Lions
George Pickens found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons following the Cowboys’ Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions - and not just because of what happened on the field. Former NFL cornerback and current analyst Richard Sherman didn’t hold back in his postgame assessment of Pickens’ effort, and the young wideout fired back in a now-deleted social media post that made headlines of its own.
Let’s unpack what happened - on the field and off - and what it might mean going forward.
Sherman’s Critique: Effort in Question
During Thursday night’s game, Sherman called out Pickens for what he saw as a lack of engagement, particularly late in the contest. “George Pickens, throughout the game, especially late in the game, looked uninterested.
Uninterested in playing football,” Sherman said. “If you’re going to be a superstar, if you want to be the best receiver in the National Football League, you can’t ever be disengaged.”
Sherman’s point wasn’t just about a single play or drive - it was about body language, route-running, and the kind of presence a top-tier receiver is expected to bring regardless of the scoreboard. He emphasized that even when the game isn’t going a player’s way, consistent effort is non-negotiable.
And to be fair, the tape doesn’t exactly help Pickens here. There were moments where his routes looked half-speed, and his involvement in the offense seemed minimal. Whether that was due to scheme, coverage, or frustration, the optics weren’t great.
Pickens Fires Back
The next day, Pickens took to social media with a passionate - and profanity-laced - response. In a post that was quickly deleted but not before being screenshotted and shared widely, Pickens dismissed Sherman’s comments and took aim at the former Pro Bowler personally.
“This is a team game lmao I'm not the only one on the team,” Pickens wrote. “Stop becoming a analyst and talking about one player when he playin a teams game.
Lots of [stuff] has to go right for Explosive. Plays... and it's funny cause I thought former players would know that…”
He didn’t stop there. Pickens went on to criticize Sherman’s playing career, suggesting his success was tied solely to the Legion of Boom in Seattle and referencing Sherman’s later stint in San Francisco.
In his closing remarks, Pickens accused Sherman of being a “leach weirdo” and questioned his credibility as a former player-turned-analyst.
The Bigger Picture
Here’s the thing: Pickens’ frustration is understandable - no one likes being called out on national television, especially by a former player with a Super Bowl ring and a long résumé. But the way he responded? That’s where things get tricky.
This wasn’t just a disagreement over X’s and O’s. It became personal, emotional, and public. And in the NFL, where everything is scrutinized - especially when it comes to young stars on the rise - how you handle criticism can matter just as much as your stat line.
What’s missing from Pickens’ response is any acknowledgment of the core issue: the visible lack of effort. Whether he felt he was being bracketed in coverage or not getting the right looks from the quarterback, the expectation is that a top receiver keeps competing.
Every snap. Every route.
That’s what separates good from great in this league.
What This Means for Pickens - and the Cowboys
Pickens is undeniably talented. He’s shown flashes of brilliance and has the kind of physical tools that make scouts and coaches drool. But moments like this - where frustration spills into the public and the focus shifts from performance to personality - can complicate things.
The Cowboys are already facing big decisions in the years ahead, including whether Pickens is part of their long-term plans. And while one social media post won’t determine a contract extension, it does add another layer to the evaluation.
This league rewards production, yes - but it also values professionalism. And right now, Pickens has an opportunity to show he can bring both.
Responding to criticism is part of life in the NFL, especially when you’re a high-profile player on a high-profile team. The best in the game know how to channel that criticism into fuel, not firestorms.
Final Thought
Pickens doesn’t need to agree with Sherman. He doesn’t even need to like what was said.
But if he wants to take that next step - from talented to trusted, from potential to pillar - it starts with how he handles moments like these. Because in the NFL, the spotlight never stops shining.
The question is: what do you want it to show?