Cowboys Country

Stephen A. Smith blasts George Pickens for embracing Cowboys' Super Bowl culture

After new Dallas Cowboys' receiver George Pickens said he prefers his team over his old one, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith brazenly jumped in for a history lesson.
Richie Whitt|
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens makes a catch in front of Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens makes a catch in front of Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

George Pickens was likely simply trying to endear himself to his new Dallas Cowboys fans. But far be it from notorious Cowboys-hater Stephen A. Smith to let the smallest of pom poms to be shaken for America's Team.

In a video interview with Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan, Pickens admitted he's already embracing the Cowboys' winning culture.

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"I understand the camaraderie more here than when I did in Pittsburgh," Pickens said. "The Cowboys are known for the Super Bowl. If they weren't known for that, then no one would care about the Cowboys."

Unfortunately for Pickens, Smith got wind of the interview and on Monday morning's First Take on ESPN the host attempted to obliterate the receiver.

"Let's not insult the public by acting there is some legitimacy to that statement," Smith said of Pickens. "There is none. You're not synonymous with Super Bowls when you haven't been to a conference championship in 30 years."

Stephen A. Smith
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith on the ESPN First Take set at the CFP Fan Central at the George World Congress Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Smith, we grudgingly admit, has a fair point. Pickens' former team - the Pittsburgh Steelers - has won more Super Bowls (6) than the Cowboys (5). Furthermore, they won a championship more recently (XLIII in the 2008 season) than Dallas (XXX in 1995).

MORE: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dubbed one of the biggest losers of 2025 training camp

The Cowboys' last title came in a win over the Steelers, but Smith was in no mood to parse details that would slant in Dallas' or Pickens' favor.

"Does George Pickens realize that the Steelers are a more successful franchise?" Smith asked. "Does he understand what the hell he's saying? This brother needs to pick up a book."

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Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

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