While speaking during an introductory conference call, Pickens publicly responded to what Tomlin and Rooney had to say.

It reached a point that Tomlin urged the receiver to "grow up" after a December game against the rival Cincinnati Bengals that saw the Georgia product pick up two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties just one game after scuffling with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II.

Mike Tomlin called for the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade George Pickens, insider Mark Kaboly said. Kaboly says that as he talked to more people, it has become apparent that the longtime head coach made the call, not team president Art Rooney II or general manager Omar Khan.