Cowboys receiver George Pickens had an off-field narrative about him in Pittsburgh, but since arriving in Dallas, he's been a model citizen. Now comes perhaps the best thing he's done in his career.
Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens arrived at The Star with a reputation off the field that led some to be skeptical of the trade.
But since coming to The Star, Pickens, aside from the odd misstep, has been exactly what Dallas had envisioned him to be as a player, both on and off the field.
Pickens has kept himself out of headlines (aside from the Las Vegas mistake) and on the field, his 1,429 yards and 9 TDs led to his first-ever Pro Bowl nod.
But what George has just done might trump anything he's done on the field in his four NFL seasons.
Yeah, I said it.
Better than the highlight reel catches, his physicality, and everything in between.
Pickens' foundation, "The George Pickens Foundation," has done something amazing to help children in Birmingham, Alabama, with their schooling.
George's foundation is giving out tablets to children to support their education and help them learn while at home.
Robert Lyle, who is the Area Commander of the Salvation Army Central Alabama, spoke on WBRC 6 News about what the tablets mean for the children.
"Children are our future, and for these children to be able to get a leg up on the situation is a great thing," Lyle said. "Here's a family, here's an athlete that doesn't have to, but chooses to, we're blessed to be able to be an extension of his foundation as we give those in need."
See? Better than anything he's done on the football field.
We often see players use their fame and fortune to benefit others, and now Pickens is the latest to do so, and what a thing to do for children in need.
Much has been made of George's fiery personality since arriving in Dallas after several incidents while in Pittsburgh.
But you can easily make the case that Pickens has left most of that baggage in the AC North.
Yes, he had a few wobbly moments with the Cowboys, but for the most part, George has been on the straight and narrow.
Now, with stories like this coming out, with his foundation helping children in need, maybe it will shift the narrative away from the bad and focus on the good he's doing.
Because helping children with their schooling? That's a whole lot of good.