Steelers’ George Pickens channels Marshawn Lynch’s viral interview: “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.”

George Pickens wasn’t in a particularly good mood during his media session in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room the day after Thanksgiving.

Instead of giving reporters thoughtful or insightful answers to their questions, the third-year wide receiver channeled former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch’s viral moment at Super Bowl XLIX media day in 2015.

Pickens repeatedly responded, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined,” as reporters directed their questions to the 23-year-old.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens stands on the sideline before the preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 11, 2023 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

One of the questions directed at Pickens was whether the receiver had heard from the NFL about a possible penalty for his involvement in a scuffle at the end of the game against the Cleveland Browns, which the Steelers lost 24-19 last week.

“I’m just here so I don’t get fined,” he repeated.

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On the final play of the game, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary toward the end zone. Pickens was in passing zone, but Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II was guarding him, effectively taking the wide receiver out of the play.

The cameras missed the start of what appeared to be a skirmish, but a quick pan showed Pickens and Newsome tangled near the stands. The camera then showed Pickens being restrained near the seats by two stadium security guards. One fan even held Pickens’ arm, leading to initial speculation that the player was engaging with fans.

George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches from the sidelines during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on November 2, 2023. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Shortly after the Steelers’ surprising loss at the Browns’ snowy home stadium, Pickens blamed the game on weather conditions. “The conditions played a big role in today’s game. I don’t think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all.” he told reporters. “I think the conditions kind of saved them today.”

“The snow and conditions were so bad,” he continued. “I don’t even think the QB can see sometimes. And when conditions like that exist on the opponent’s home field, it’s somehow in their favor.”

The snowfall increased in the second half of the game. While both teams struggled with the weather conditions, Pickens’ claim suggests the Steelers fell to 8-3 due to the snow and wind.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens points at a Cincinnati Bengals defender during the game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Dec. 23, 2023. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Friday’s exchange wasn’t the first time this season that Pickens appeared to show his lack of preference for interacting with the media.

In October, Pickens came under scrutiny after wearing black eyes during a game in which a profane word was used. The black stripe that stretched beneath his eyes said, “Always open.”

NFL policy prohibits players from adding messages to Eye Black during games, but apparently the rule wasn’t on Pickens’ radar. “Never seen (the rule),” he said when asked if he was aware of the league’s policy regarding eye blackening. “Have you seen it before?”

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A reporter then mentioned the fine Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward had to pay in 2015 when he blacked out his father’s nickname. Heyward’s father, Craig, played in the NFL from 1988 to 1998 and was nicknamed “Ironhead.”

Pickens shrugged when his teammate’s fine was brought up, saying: “Years ago, when I wasn’t in the league? So no.”

The Steelers will look to solidify their position at the top of the AFC North when they play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

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