Mike Tomlin reveals his message to George Pickens entering 2023 season

After turning heads as a rookie in 2022, there are some high expectations for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. And while everyone becomes enthralled with his incredible athleticism, head coach Mike Tomlin wants to see growth in another area from his budding star.

Tomlin recently joined the Rich Eisen Show to discuss the upcoming 2023 NFL season. Eisen also had on Pickens earlier, who relayed a message that the head coach had sent him throughout training camp.

“He told me you are telling him to do the routine things routinely,” Eisen said. “Can you confirm that? That’s what you’re telling him.”

“Yes sir,” Tomlin responded. “I just want him to get really comfortable with what can be drudgery. The high-volume things that come with being a professional. The things that you need to do on a routine basis. Making routine plays.

“We all know he is capable of the spectacular. And I love that about his game, but I want to see him make the routine plays all the time. … If he’s gonna be what we need him to be and what he aspires to be, he’s gonna have the spectacular component of his game but he’s gonna do the routine things, as well.”

Pickens appeared in all 17 games for the Steelers as a rookie last season, making 12 starts. He ended the campaign with 801 yards and four touchdowns on 52 receptions.

The Steelers selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He flashed his potential during his rookie year and progressed in training camp.

In one practice earlier this summer, the second-year wide receiver went viral for a ridiculous catch he made over rookie defensive back Joey Porter Jr. It provided NFL fans with a glimpse of the star’s unbelievable athleticism.

So, as Tomlin said, everyone continues to see some of the spectacular ability from the young receiver. And if he starts to do the routine things regularly, he could emerge as one of the top pass-catchers in the league.

What coach has a better chance to grow that talent than Tomlin?

Pickens and the Steelers are hoping to get to the playoffs after narrowly missing last season with a 9-8 record. Pittsburgh opens the 2023 regular season with a game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET and the game airs on FOX.