Since the George Pickens trade, fans and analysts have been divided—some predict a breakout season for the Dallas Cowboys, while others remain skeptical. Amid the speculation, one major question remains: what’s on Pickens’ mind? The former Steelers wide receiver recently addressed the rumors and shared his perspective, revealing both his mindset and determination to prove himself in Dallas.

Much of the buzz during Cowboys training camp in Oxnard has centered on Pickens’s jersey number. Rumors spread quickly after he was seen wearing No. 13—a change from his previous No. 14. Many assumed he would keep No. 13 for the 2025 season. But that assumption appears to be premature.

Dallas reporters have since clarified Pickens’s stance on the jersey number rumors. What stood out most, however, was his emotional reaction. When Clarence Hill Jr. asked about the outside narratives and what he wants people to know, Pickens paused before responding, clearly affected by the speculation.

And Pickens replied, “I’m actually like a chill guy. There’s a big phase of a tornado that’s not even true. I’m a chill guy, and I just love to work.” CeeDee Lamb also earlier described the same. The Cowboys’ star wide receiver Lamb said that Pickens has heard the noise but isn’t concerned with any outside narratives and wants to do what he’s been trying to do since the start: Get to work.

George Pickens and his jersey number drama

NFL reporter Mike Fisher was the first to report that new Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is wearing jersey No. 13. During his three seasons with the Steelers, Pickens wore No. 14, making the change a surprising development for many fans. While wearing his “lucky” No. 14, Pickens appeared in 48 games over three years.

In 48 games with the Steelers, George Pickens recorded 174 receptions on 293 targets, totaling 2,841 yards—an average of 16.3 yards per catch. He also scored 12 touchdowns over his first three seasons, establishing himself as a rising star. But will his success follow him with a new jersey number?

Jersey No. 13 should be available. The last to wear it was Michael Gallup, a former fan favorite in Dallas who later spent time with the Raiders and now plays for the Commanders.

That said, the number on Pickens’s back may not matter as much as his performance on the field. If he can replicate his Pittsburgh production, Cowboys fans have plenty to look forward to. All eyes will be on the wide receiver duo in the season opener against the Eagles on September 5. Regardless of his number, Pickens’s performance is what will truly count.