In life, you’ve got to keep your emotions in check. In the NFL, players often get caught up in the heat of the game and cross lines. It’s common in sports, but sometimes it costs you everything, your reputation and your career. And Steelers WR George Pickens is getting a lesson in ‘keeping emotions in check’ from coach Mike Tomlin. But veteran Russell Wilson is going down a different path, showing support for the young WR.

Following Week 13 of the league, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced their divisional foes, the Bengals, in a recent game. After losing to the Browns in Week 12, they bounced back with a 44-38 win. Thanks to Russell Wilson and George Pickens.

But Pickens still had to hear a word or two from coach Mike, despite playing well. Wondering why? Well, it’s because of the 23-year-old’s antics on the field that ended up costing him penalties. “He’s just got to grow up, man. It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big,” Tomlin said in the post-game conference.

But QB Russell Wilson isn’t bothered by his on-field antics. Wilson showed support for his young teammate by posting a story on Instagram. He shared a picture of Pickens from the game and simply wrote, “PICKENS (fire emoji)”. In the picture, you can see the Steelers WR in the air, holding the ball while the Bengals try to stop him.

In sports, you need to be respectful towards other players, not just your teammates, but your rivals too. Pickens is young, and he lets his emotions take over. In the game against the Bengals, he did exactly that when he tossed the ball at the rival defensive back’s shoulder after making a catch. This led to him getting a taunting flag. “He’s got a target on his back because he’s George. He understands that’s, but he’s gotta grow up,” Mike added.

George Pickens’ antics got fans laughing

If you think the Steelers‘ young player stopped after getting flagged once, you’re wrong. George Pickens is known for getting into heated arguments with rival teams. As the game went on, Pickens grabbed a solid 36-yard catch on a deep ball from his QB. He then made a pistol gesture with his hand, again getting flagged by the officials. Looks like he’s not slowing down with his antics.

But the Steelers fans are loving the show. He’s getting tons of praise for his performance and support from his fans. “I hope he doesn’t grow up, his antics are so goddamn funny (laughing emojis),” wrote a fan. This isn’t the first time Pickens has done this; he’s received three fines this year for his not-so-sportsmanlike behavior on the field. And that’s what’s worrying head coach Mike Tomlin. He knows he’s an important player for the Steelers, and given where they are in the league, they don’t want him sitting on the sidelines.

So, it’s about time the young WR gains control of his emotions and cuts out all those shenanigans. If not, Mike might give him another scolding. On a serious note, he could land himself in trouble for picking on other players. Hopefully, he will learn from Coach’s message and come into the next game with a sportsmanlike spirit.

The Steelers will next be facing the Browns. As of now, they sit comfortably at the top of the AFC North with 9 wins.