Russell Wilson spent just one season playing alongside George Pickens, but it was enough for the veteran quarterback to be impressed by the young wide receiver’s skill set.
Wilson spoke glowingly of Pickens when asked about his former teammate in an appearance on the ‘7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony’ podcast.
‘I love George,’ Wilson said. ‘His ability to catch the football is one of a kind. Anything in his vicinity, he’s gonna catch it.’
Wilson wasn’t just complimentary of Pickens’ receiving tool bag, which allowed the young wide-out to post a team-leading 900 receiving yards on 59 catches with four touchdowns during their lone season together with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The veteran quarterback also believes the 24-year-old is driven to be great, even despite on-field antics that, at times, drew ire from coach Mike Tomlin and fans alike.
‘I think that he’s misunderstood outside,’ Wilson said. ‘I think he’s a guy that – he wants to be great, you know? I think, also, too, when it comes to George, I think a big part of him – his ability, where he can take it from not just being great, but to being the world’s best, I think he has that in him.’
Wilson won’t get a chance to help Pickens level up in 2025. The veteran quarterback signed with the New York Giants during the offseason, while Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys after the 2025 NFL Draft.
As such, the duo will be on-field rivals on the two occasions New York and Dallas square off during the 2025 NFL season.
But in all other games, Wilson will be hoping his former top target finds success with the Cowboys.
‘I’m always rooting for guys I played with, just not when we play ’em,’ Wilson said. ‘He’ll do great there. He’ll love it there for sure.’