“He Has No Reason to Be Optimistic”: Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe React to George Pickens’ Postgame Comments

George Pickens made an intriguing comment following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens in their Wild Card game. The wideout was asked if he has any hope for the offense in the future, and his answer was way too candid, to say the least. The lack of optimism was glaring in his monosyllabic “nah”. And it grabbed the attention of Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson, who wondered whether it reflects who Pickens is as a player.

Following the 28-14 loss, Pickens was asked if he has seen any growth in the Pittsburgh offense since he arrived three years ago. He said, yes. But when he was asked in a follow-up about whether it holds hope for the future, he uttered the headline-maker while shaking his head and looking down.

#Steelers WR George Pickens says he’s seen signs of growth from the offense.

Reporter: “Does that make you optimistic going forward?”

Pickens: “Nah.” https://t.co/yqawOeKyEW

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025

Sharpe thought it was a clear indication of Pickens being a “diva” who doesn’t consistently give his full effort.

“Well, I’m not optimistic that he’s ever going to be anything but a pouting diva,” Sharpe stated. “Doesn’t give effort on every play… I don’t want it to be one-sided that the players get to tell the truth, but the team and other players don’t get to tell the truth about said player.”

Pickens might be defended by some for his honest response in a world full of “PC responses” by players. However, it still came across as unprofessional, and Sharpe is absolutely right in pointing that out.

The wideout can’t afford to let his intrusive thoughts slip out when every journalist is ready to turn it into a story. Pickens is still young and has room to grow. Let’s hope he learns from this without facing harsher consequences.

Johnson, meanwhile, liked the response. He comes from a school of thought that encourages players to be straightforward with the media.

“Would you be optimistic if you were him?” Johnson asked. “You got to get the young bull involved. I know he’s had his issues and problems. The effort, the being lazy, the loafing, the not blocking, the penalties. I know that. But he has no reason to be optimistic with understanding what you just saw tonight.”

Johnson has a point as well. Pickens finished with five catches for 87 yards and a touchdown, leading the way for Steelers’ receivers. But most of his work came after the team was down by two or three scores. For Pickens, that must have been unacceptable.

Maybe the Steelers haven’t shown any growth offensively in the past three seasons. But Pickens should’ve addressed the issue in private, taking them up with coach Mike Tomlin.

This comment could end up affecting his relationship with other players on the team, and haunt the Steelers as they go into the offseason.