Steelers Pass Catcher Replaces ‘Disappointing’ Ex-Teammate At Youth Camp

The NFL is a business. Free agents sign new contracts, players are traded unexpectedly and plans can change in an instant.

Unfortunately, not all athletes can adapt to those changes with grace.

Wide receiver George Pickens was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys in May. Pickens had a youth football camp scheduled for June 28 in Pittsburgh at the time he was traded.

According to an email from TruEdge Sports, shared by X user @Steelersdepot, Pickens committed to return to Pittsburgh to attend the camp following the trade.

“Immediately following the trade, our team contacted George’s representation to confirm whether he would still honor his commitment to the Pittsburgh event. We were promptly assured that George remained committed to the camp and intended to show up for the families who had registered,” the email reads.

The email also states that Pickens retracted his commitment at the last minute and is no longer attending the event.

“Unfortunately, as of last week, TruEdge was notified by George’s team that he has decided to walk back on his word and is no longer interested in attending the camp. Let us be very clear: we are deeply frustrated by this decision and the position it has placed all of us in,” the email states.

The email also expressed disappointment at Pickens’ “lack of professionalism” and apologized for the changes to the event.

Fortunately, another Steelers pass catcher stepped up to be the face of the event. Tight end Pat Freiermuth is stepping in to attend the camp, and the event is hoping to add other Steelers’ players as well.

The camp was originally scheduled for June 28, but has now been pushed back to July 20 to accommodate the changes.

More Steelers: NFL Rumors: Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Had Issue With Jets Receiver