The rivalries within the NFC East are as strong as any the NFL has to offer, as fans in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Dallas do not like one another. There is no hierarchy to this; they all seem to hate each other equally.
One of the newest additions to this heated division is already making headlines for all the wrong reasons, and unfortunately, this directly impacts children in the state of Pennsylvania. Recently acquired Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has gone back on his word now that he calls the Lone Star State his home and is, deservedly, being dragged through the mud publicly because of it.
Eagles Rival's New Addition George Pickens Already Breaking Promises
Before being traded to the Cowboys by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens had committed to holding a youth football camp at Highmark Stadium, which was scheduled to be held on June 28. Pickens went on to double down on his commitment to hosting this event even after the trade.
In what can only be described as a terrible decision by Pickens and his team, the Cowboys' wide receiver backed out of the camp altogether last week and left the families of the children who had registered for the sold-out event with more questions than answers. The company putting on the camp, TruEdge Sports, released a statement concerning Pickens' backing out of the camp.
“Immediately following the trade, our team contacted George’s representation to confirm whether he would still honor his commitment to the Pittsburgh event. We were promptly assure that George remained committed to the camp and intended to show up for families who had registered. Based on that confirmation, we communicated this directly to you via email and text on May 9."
“Unfortunately, as of last week, TruEdge was notified by George’s team that he has decided to walk back on his word and is no longer interested in attending the camp. Let us be very clear: we are deeply frustrated by this decision and the position it has placed all of us in.”
These families will not be left high and dry thanks to Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth choosing to step in and host the camp so that he could right the wrong that came from Pickens' decision. While Philadelphia fans will never cheer for the in-state rival in Pittsburgh, it is commendable that he is giving up his own time to do right by these children.
Pickens and the Cowboys were going to hear nothing but boos when they travel to Lincoln Financial Field this September. That was already a given. After this stunt, though, the wide receiver has earned himself an even ruder welcome to this rivalry by the Philly faithful.