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The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
George Pickens: Cowboys WR backs out of hosting youth football camp
In the email, TruEdge Sports told families that they had reached out to confirm Pickens' participation shortly after his trade to Dallas was announced. At the time, they wrote, they "were promptly assured that George remained committed to the camp and intended to show up for the families who had registered." GEORGE PICKENS: Former Steelers teammate Russell Wilson calls new Cowboys WR 'misunderstood' Instead, a couple of weeks before the day of the camp, Pickens informed TruEdge that he'd no longer be attending. "Let us be very clear: we are deeply frustrated by this decision and the position it has placed all of us in," TruEdge wrote in their email. "Our team at TruEdge was fully prepared to host a camp this Saturday because we were led to believe George would follow through on his commitment. His sudden decision to back out not only reflects a disappointing lack of accountability, but also shows a disregard for the families and children who were excited to meet him." TruEdge's email was not all bad news. The company went on to say that they were committed to holding a youth camp in Pittsburgh over the summer, though it would be postponed to July. COWBOYS NEWS: QB Dak Prescott wants Super Bowl championship: Legacy 'be damned' TruEdge also said they were able to find an NFL player to replace Pickens: Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. The company added that they were also in talks with multiple other Steelers players to make appearances at the camp in late July, since it now nearly overlaps with the start of Pittsburgh's preseason training camp. All campers who attend the event during its new date will receive autographs from every player making an appearance. The Steelers confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that Freiermuth would be replacing Pickens at the camp. Both the Cowboys -- Pickens' new team -- and TruEdge Sports declined requests for comment. USA TODAY Sports also reached out to Pickens' agent, who did not immediately provide a statement on his behalf.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Steeler Has Bold Take Regarding Aaron Rodgers
Former Steeler Has Bold Take Regarding Aaron Rodgers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a brand new quarterback in all-time great Aaron Rodgers. But some do not know exactly what to expect from the 41-year-old field general. Advertisement One former Steeler thinks the team could resort to drastic measures if things are not going according to plan. On a recent episode of Nightcap, franchise legend James Harrison said that the team should think about cutting Rodgers and giving some opportunities to their other guys if things are not going well around midseason. "I think they can make it work if they're winning," Harrison said, "If they start losing and it's looking like they're not gonna make above .500, I think it gets real ugly, real fast. To the point where they may just be like, 'you know what, let's let this dude go midseason. For Aaron, let's just get him outta here and put one of these other quarterbacks in.'" Rodgers had one of the more disappointing years of his career this past season with the New York Jets. As a result, some have questioned if he still has it, but his stats were not as bad as one would expect. Advertisement He still racked up 3,897 passing yards and 28 touchdowns on 63 percent completion. He did have 11 interceptions, but that was still not too bad compared to the rest of the league. Rodgers has stated that the 2025 season may very well be his last season in the league, so he will be looking to prove the doubters wrong and leave his mark with the legendary AFC North franchise. Related: New-Look Steelers Improve Slightly in Latest Record Predictions Related: ESPN Pushes Steelers to Replace Aaron Rodgers in AFC QB Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
NBC Sports
4 hours ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
TruEdge Sports backs off in its criticism of George Pickens over youth camp cancellation
Earlier this week, TruEdge Sports postponed a youth football camp that was supposed to feature former Steelers (now Cowboys) receiver George Pickens. The email sent to those who purchased tickets for the camp included strong language regarding Pickens's cancellation. Now, TruEdge Sports has sent a fresh email clarifying — and apologizing for — the prior message. 'At TruEdge Sports, we take pride in fostering strong relationships with the athletes, families, and communities we serve,' the company said. 'Recently, a statement was issued regarding our scheduled youth camp with George Pickens that did not accurately reflect the full scope of communications or the context surrounding the event. 'At no point did George communicate with us directly, and our communications with George's representatives led to confusion about the camp's status and future direction. 'Regrettably, the language used in our original message mischaracterized George's intent and actions. While our frustrations stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding the event, it was never our intention to publicly question George's professionalism, integrity, or commitment to the community. We now understand that the tone and implications of our message were not only inappropriate but inconsistent with our values as an organization. 'We recognize that he was navigating a significant career transition during this time and that his team kept open lines of communication with us.' That's a far cry from the prior comments made by TruEdge Sports. The earlier message said that Pickens 'decided to walk back on his word' to attend the camp, and that his 'sudden decision to back out not only reflects a disappointing lack of accountability, but also shows a disregard for the families and children who were excited to meet him.' 'Let us say again,' the prior message concluded, 'we are incredibly frustrated by George Pickens' lack of professionalism and his decision to abandon the commitment he personally confirmed after his trade.' TruEdge is now singing a very different tune, presumably after hearing from Pickens's camp — and possibly after being threatened with potential litigation for the public criticism it heaped upon him. While the new message isn't as clear as it could have been, it seems as if TruEdge Sports is saying it had gotten the facts wrong regarding Pickens's handling of the situation. Still, the new message continues to omit an open-ended offer to fully refund the payment made for the 'George Pickens Youth Football Camp' on June 28, which has now become a camp featuring Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth on July 20. After sending a message that tries to make things right as to Pickens, here's hoping TruEdge Sports will soon be sending a message that makes things right as to those who paid for the camp that was supposed to happen on Saturday.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Behind-The-Scenes Look At 'Aggressive' Trade And Metcalf's View On Rodgers
Steelers Behind-The-Scenes Look At 'Aggressive' Trade And Metcalf's View On Rodgers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. D.K. Metcalf is saying goodbye to the Seattle Seahawks ... And saying hello to Aaron Rodgers. Advertisement he Pittsburgh Steelers have jettisoned Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and Najee Harris and George Pickens, turning over their offense to QB Rodgers (on the wrong side of 40) and Metcalf (who needed a divorce from the Seattle Seahawks). The newly acquired Metcalf - filling in here after Pittsburgh shipped Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick - could be part of an upgrade with Rodgers over the 2024 duo of Russell Wilson and Pickens. Whether that's enough to win a playoff game for the first time since 2016, though, is the point. What does Metcalf think the Steelers' new quarterback brings? Advertisement 'Just how cerebral he is and how he views the game,' Metcalf said, via Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh. 'I like the way he views the game from a receiver's standpoint, but also from a quarterback's standpoint. I think I can gain a lot of knowledge just from being around him because he's seen a lot of football. Just trying to soak up as much information as I can.' By the way, Metcalf also suggests that he didn't see Pickens as the problem that some in Pittsburgh do. 'I would've loved to play with George Pickens,' Metcalf said. 'Being here, just to see how he was as a teammate, just to see what I could learn from him. It was a decision the team made and it was out of my hands.' Another decision? Metcalf, who signed an extension here, being sent away by Seattle. Why did they give up on their freakishly massive wideout? Advertisement On the "3 & Out Podcast," Seahawks general manager John Schneider explained. "Pittsburgh (and Steelers general manager Omar Khan), those guys were really aggressive," Schneider said, as shared by Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "It just happened, and again, you can't change the way people think. As much as we love him and want to have him here, when people want to leave, it's difficult to try to convince them to stay. "Once we got back from the combine, we had another real open talk. Then we told him we would concede to his wishes." So this was mostly D.K.'s idea? And he gets a five-year, $150 million contract extension as part of the Steelers trade? Great. Advertisement Now D.K. and Aaron just need to say hello to a playoff win or two. Related: Pittsburgh Steelers' D.K. Metcalf Tagged With 'Worst Contract' Label Related: Aaron Rodgers Reportedly Moved Steelers To Make Cowboys George Pickens Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeSean McCoy Rips Steelers Legend For One Ridiculous Reason
LeSean McCoy Rips Steelers Legend For One Ridiculous Reason originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Ben Roethlisberger never had a flashy style that drew praise as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. But "Big Ben" was consistent in his 18 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, always keeping the team in the playoff mix against grueling competition in the AFC. Advertisement While his all-time standing may not rank highly, perhaps he was somewhat forgotten in an era where Tom Brady and Peyton Manning dominated the discourse around quarterbacks in the AFC. But on the subject of quarterbacks, Roethlisberger recently shared a hot take that he would take prime Aaron Rodgers over the current iteration of Patrick Mahomes. Yes, an opinion one could argue is pretty far out though not completely unjustified when watching the tape. Regardless, former NFL running back LeSean McCoy made clear he would not stand for such a thought, ripping Roethlisberger for his controversial Rodgers praise on FS1's "The Facility." "Big Ben hates," McCoy said. "One thing about Big Ben, you play 18 years, you have no All-Pros, not one, not one first team, not one second team. This is just me, I don't respect players that talk about greats a certain way and you have nowhere the type of success they had. Advertisement "You played for 18 years, and you never was considered the best quarterback or the second-best quarterback in football." McCoy's explosive rant certainly pulls too and glosses over the greatness of Roethlisberger's era. The Steelers were one of the more staunch opponents of the unmatched New England Patriots dynasty commanded by Brady. His greatness even stifled Mannings legacy, holding him to two Super Bowls in his extensive career. Roethlisberger may not have the individual accolades of the others of his time, but he still managed to claim two Super Bowl victories of his own, leading Pittsburgh to triumphs in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII. In comparison McCoy does boast a more accomplished individual resumé and two Super Bowls. However, Roethlisberger played an active role in his career apex moments whereas McCoy leeched his rings as a spectator from the sidelines at the tail-end of his career. Advertisement Needless to say, McCoy's reaction is pretty sharp for a hot take relatively meaningless in the grand scheme. Related: Jets' Breece Hall Makes Feelings About Steelers' 'Misunderstood' Aaron Rodgers Perfectly Clear Related: Steelers Behind-The-Scenes Look At 'Aggressive' Trade And Metcalf's View On Rodgers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
