Steelers WR George Pickens held back by security after loss to Browns on TNF

On the final play of the Steelers’ 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Pittsburgh wide receiver George Pickens could be seen wrestling into the back of the end zone with Browns defensive back Greg Newsome II. The two tumbled near the stands before Russell Wilson‘s Hail Mary pass had even been deflected.

While most of the players either celebrated or hung their heads in defeat once the ball hit the ground, Pickens and Newsome continued to tussle. A referee took off toward the pair as soon as he saw them engaged and, with the help of the stadium’s security, broke up the fight.

It’s no surprise that Pickens was frustrated with the game’s conclusion. It was a long night for both teams as they battled through blizzard-like conditions. Consequently, stadium employees shoveled snow off the field every chance they received.

George Pickens fighting Greg Newsome during the Hail Mary LMFAO pic.twitter.com/1QT1sN1w5o

— Clay Fink (@clay_fink) November 22, 2024

If they failed to do so, the referees wouldn’t even be able to tell where the end zone began and ended. Nonetheless, the two teams never considered stopping play, battling it out until the very end.

Unfortunately for receivers, snow isn’t always advantageous for reeling in a football. On seven targets, Pickens finished the game with four receptions for 48 yards.

Pickens’ 48 yards were the least he’s recorded in a game since the Steelers’ 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 6. Evidently, he didn’t hesitate to take out any frustration with Newsome at the end of the game.

Pickens’ scrap with Newsome wasn’t the first time he’d had issues with the Browns’ defensive backs on Thursday night. Earlier in the game, Browns safety Grant Delpit snatched Pickens’ mouthpiece and threw it on the ground.

The referees called an unsportsmanlike conduct and the Steelers scored the next play. Nonetheless, the Browns stole the last laugh, securing only their third win of the season.

Despite the loss, the Steelers still sit atop the AFC North standings, trailed by the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Browns — in that order. As of this report, the Steelers have not addressed George Pickens’ conflict with Newsome.