Bold claim: spotlighting a social media flare-up, a coach promises a direct conversation to clear the air and protect a young star’s growth. But here’s where it gets controversial: does public posturing online overshadow the on-field realities and the team’s bigger goals?
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he will sit down with wide receiver George Pickens to discuss a recent social media post that referenced criticism from former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman during a Prime Video broadcast on Thursday.
Schottenheimer acknowledged awareness of the post and noted it has since been deleted. He emphasized the plan to check in on Pickens, calling it a routine matter in the profession and promising to have the conversation soon.
Sherman had criticized Pickens’ demeanor after the Cowboys’ 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions, noting Pickens appeared uninterested and disengaged. In that game, Pickens totaled five receptions for 37 yards, with no single catch longer than 10 yards for the first time this season.
Pickens pushed back after the defeat, saying players shouldn’t disappear and arguing that Sherman should have understood the defensive coverage faced by Detroit, especially after CeeDee Lamb left the game with a concussion in the third quarter.
The social post Pickens wrote Friday pushed back further, partially reading, “it’s funny cause I thought former players would know that,” and naming Sherman while referencing the Legion of Boom era.
Schottenheimer maintained he did not perceive a lack of effort from Pickens when he rewatched the game film Friday. He added that evaluating the entire team is the responsibility of the coaches and players alike, praising Pickens’ overall body of work as an elite game-changer. He also drew a contrast with Lamb, who had a standout performance before his concussion-related exit; Lamb’s recent form was highlighted as exceptional.
Statistically, Pickens has career highs in catches (78), receiving yards (1,179), and touchdowns (eight), placing those numbers among the NFL’s top 10 for the season.
Lamb left the field with concussion symptoms after six catches for 121 yards. He remains in the concussion protocol, and Dallas’ next game isn’t until December 14.
Schottenheimer added that Lamb’s Friday progression looked positive and that the extra recovery time should assist in his return to play.
