George Pickens’ parents have started to draw as much attention as the rising NFL star himself. His father, George Pickens Sr., has become a bold voice online defending his son, calling out critics, and even challenging the Steelers’ front office. Meanwhile, mystery still surrounds his mom, with reports pointing to Dee Humes but no official confirmation. As George’s career heats up, so does the spotlight on the people who raised him.

Is Carl Pickens George Pickens’ Father? Here’s what we know

No, Carl Pickens is not George Pickens’ father, despite the shared last name. Carl Pickens carved out his own legacy in the NFL during the ’90s. He kicked off as a standout safety at Tennessee before switching to wide receiver. His big break came in 1992 with the Bengals as a second-round pick. By 1994, he was already setting NFL records and stacking Pro Bowl nods. The guy could really play—540 catches, 63 touchdowns, over 7,000 yards. He later joined the Titans and Cowboys before calling it quits in 2001.

But Carl’s post-football years took a darker turn. In 2013, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife after a heated argument. Cops said there were visible bruises on her neck. It marked a troubling chapter for a man once celebrated on the field.

Still, Carl Pickens isn’t tied to George Pickens by blood or family. George, a rising star with the Steelers, has built his path independently. The two just happen to share a name—and a love for big plays. So, let’s leave the rumors behind and give each man his own story.

Who Is George Pickens Sr.?

George Pickens Sr. is the biological father of NFL wide receiver George Malik Pickens Jr. Despite the similarity in names, he is not former Bengals star Carl Pickens. George Sr. is a former athlete himself, having played basketball for Phillips Academy in Birmingham during his younger years. Today, he runs a car wash business called Cascade Auto Details, carving out his own path off the field.

He remains involved in his sons’ lives, as evidenced by social media posts spanning from 2017 that document moments with both George Jr. and his older brother, Chris Humes (a former cornerback for Arkansas State and briefly the Raiders). Despite George Sr. and the boys no longer living with their mother, Dee Humes, the former partner of George Sr., they maintained a stable and loving environment while growing up in Alabama.

In short, George Pickens Sr. is George Jr.’s real dad, a supportive dad and small-business owner with his own athletic past entirely unrelated to Carl Pickens.

Who Is George Pickens’ Mother?

The identity of George Pickens’ mother remains unconfirmed publicly. While some reports, like Dallas News and the Post-Gazette, have named Dee Humes as his mother, there’s been no official confirmation from Pickens or his family. Humes has kept a low profile, rarely appearing in interviews or public settings. Despite her possible connection, she remains a private figure with limited media presence. Until George or a verified source confirms it, her identity stays uncertain.

George Pickens Sr.’s Role in His Son’s Career

George Pickens Sr. has never stayed silent when it comes to his son’s career. Active on X, he’s fiercely defended George through every high, low, and headline. When the Steelers traded George to Dallas, Sr. clapped back at critics. He rejected reports that teams laughed at Pickens’ market value, calling them “fake news.” 

He’s even tagged Chad Johnson, demanding the former Bengals star set narratives straight. Whether it’s defending his son’s on-field outbursts or challenging fan reactions, he’s been vocal. While some fans see it as overinvolvement, others view it as unwavering support. Still, if Pickens wants a clean slate in Dallas, his father may need to ease off social media. That spotlight can burn if things go south.

George Pickens’ NFL journey has already been a rollercoaster of talent, tension, and transition. Through it all, his father, George Pickens Sr., has been a loud and loyal voice. From criticizing the Steelers’ quarterback situation to calling out media narratives, he’s made it clear he’s in his son’s corner. But with George now in Dallas, it’s a fresh start. Whether Sr. stays vocal or steps back, the spotlight is firmly on Pickens Jr. to prove he’s more than just potential.