Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens said he did not request to be traded from the team in his first interview with the media as a member of the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday.
Speaking with Dallas reporters via speakerphone, Pickens said that the was happy to be a member of the Cowboys, but made it clear that he did not demand a departure from Pittsburgh.
"I feel great. I like the mojo here. I like the swag. I feel like they have a great thing going for sure. I'm grateful to be here. I'm grateful to play with Dak." Pickens said of the trade.
When asked specifically about what led to his departure from Pittsburgh, Pickens cited the business of football.
"This game is just as much of a business as it is football," he said . "It was kind of out of my control. I'm just glad to be here in Dallas and continue the winning culture that they have."
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 8m 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Pickens also said that he's not focused on getting a contract extension at this time. He leaves Pittsburgh with just one season remaining on his rookie contract.
"I'm kinda where my feet are right now, to be honest," Pickens said. "I'm not really thinking about contract talks. I'm just glad to be with the Cowboys right now, trying to build a winning culture."
Pickens also turned aside questions about his role with the Cowboys, where he will be the second wide receiver behind CeeDee Lamb , saying that teams can have two great wide receivers.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : George Pickens Says He Didn't Request Trade from Steelers: 'Out of My Control'
