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Who is George Pickens?
George Malik Pickens Jr. is a 23-year-old wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Born on March 4, 2001, in Hoover, Alabama, U.S., George is known for his exceptional skill and electrifying catches.
After a standout college career at Georgia, he was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Pickens has made a name for himself with jaw-dropping plays like his one-handed catch in 2022, often called “Catch of the Year.”
Now? We tell you all we found out about him.
George Pickens Early Life
George grew up in Hoover, Alabama, where he showed an early talent for football. He attended Hoover High School, where his athletic abilities quickly earned him recognition.
Even in his younger years, it was clear that George was destined for greatness in football. His talent was so undeniable that he became a five-star recruit, with top colleges fighting for his commitment.
George Pickens Family Dynamics
George Pickens comes from a sports-driven family. His father, Carl Pickens, was a standout wide receiver in the NFL, so it’s no surprise that George followed in his footsteps.
His younger brother, Chris Humes, also pursued football at Arkansas State and currently plays for the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. So yeah, football runs deep in the Pickens family.
Clock this: George is 23 years old, as of December 2024. He’s a Christian, and so are his mother, father, Carl Pickens, and younger brother, Chris Humes.
Given his parents’ ethnic background and ethnic ancestry, his ethnicity is Black (Afro-American). His full name or birth name is George Malik Pickens Jr.
George Pickens Girlfriend & Dating Life
George Pickens has been romantically linked to several people, including rapper GloRilla. Though George prefers to keep his dating life low-key, fans and followers still love speculating about his relationships.
Pickens has a growing fanbase on social media, which means his love life is always a topic of interest. Whether he’s posting football highlights or lifestyle content, George seems to balance his personal and professional lives well… though he definitely keeps things under wraps when it comes to romance.
George Pickens Education
George attended Hoover High School, where he starred on the football field. He graduated high school in 2019. For college, he chose to attend the University of Georgia, where he quickly became one of their top receivers.
He majored in Housing Management & Policy, and he received the A.J. Green Family Football Scholarship, which helped cover his college expenses. His time at Georgia solidified his place as one of the top prospects in college football.
George Pickens High School Career
In high school, George Pickens was a beast. He played at Hoover High, where he made an impact with 69 receptions for 1,368 yards and 16 touchdowns in his senior year. This performance earned him a spot in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game, where he showcased his skills to the world.
He was a five-star recruit, drawing attention from top universities across the country. Originally committed to Auburn, George switched things up and chose the University of Georgia instead.
George Pickens College Career
At Georgia, George didn’t waste any time making a name for himself. As a freshman, he led the team in receptions (49), receiving yards (727), and touchdowns (8). Despite a shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, George still managed to snag 36 catches for 513 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Then, in 2021, his ACL injury sidelined him for much of the season. But he made a triumphant return, catching a pivotal 52-yard pass in Georgia’s National Championship win over Alabama. He left college football after his junior year, ready to take on the NFL.
George Pickens NFL & Draft
George Pickens was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. His NFL debut didn’t disappoint… he made an immediate impact, including one of his most memorable plays: a one-handed catch against the Cleveland Browns, which many called the “Catch of the Year.”
He ended his rookie season with 52 catches for 801 yards and 4 touchdowns, proving he was ready for the NFL spotlight.
George Pickens Professional Career
Pickens continued to shine in 2023. He racked up impressive stats, including a game with 4 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns. He also led the Steelers in receiving yards that season.
Although George faced some criticism for his effort in certain games, he responded with bold statements on social media and through his play. In 2024, Pickens was named WR1 on the Steelers’ depth chart and continued to prove why he’s one of the league’s brightest young stars.
George Pickens Career Highlights
- 2022: Pickens’ jaw-dropping one-handed catch against the Cleveland Browns became an instant classic.
- 2023: He posted 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and 5 touchdowns, finishing with an impressive 18.1 yards per catch.
- 2023: Pickens made another “Catch of the Year” nominee with a leaping 20-yard touchdown reception against the Colts.
- George’s ability to make highlight-reel plays has already made him one of the most exciting wide receivers in the NFL.
George Pickens Body Measurements
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches tall (191 cm)
- Weight: 200 lbs (91 kg)
- Arm Length: 32 3/8 inches
- Hand Span: 8 3/4 inches
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds
George’s physical stats are elite for a wide receiver, giving him the size and speed to make big plays all over the field. He’s of Black (Afro-American) descent and has brown skin color, dark brown eyes, and black hair.
George Pickens Net Worth & Salary
George Pickens signed a 4-year, $6.75 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a $2.09 million signing bonus. In 2024, his base salary is $1.32 million, with a cap hit of $1.84 million.
His total career earnings are estimated at around $5.1 million, and his market value is steadily rising as he continues to make a name for himself in the NFL. His net worth is estimated to be $2.6 million in 2024.
George Pickens Contracts
- Contract Value: $6.75 million (4 years)
- Signing Bonus: $2.09 million
- Guaranteed: $3.1 million
- Annual Salary: $1.69 million
Pickens’ contract provides him with security as he continues to develop into one of the NFL’s most promising receivers. His signing bonus alone shows the Steelers’ commitment to his potential.
How He Makes His Money
In addition to his NFL contract, George Pickens also rakes in cash through his social media, where he has more than 450,000 followers on Instagram @1.issue).
He posts lifestyle content and football-related posts, attracting endorsement deals and sponsorships. His strong online presence only adds to his growing income.
Why He Stands Out
What sets George Pickens apart is his ability to make spectacular catches. Whether it’s a one-handed grab, a leaping touchdown, or a game-winning reception, George never fails to impress. He combines elite physical traits with a knack for making clutch plays when his team needs it the most.
Fun Facts
- He played in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game.
- He was a five-star recruit in high school.
- His father, Carl Pickens, was an NFL wide receiver.
- He’s been linked romantically to rapper GloRilla.
- Pickens is also into lifestyle content and has a huge social media following.
- His full name or birth name is George Malik Pickens Jr.