With the Dallas Cowboys having slapped the franchise tag on their star wide receiver, George Pickens, their quarterback, Dak Prescott, had a word of advice for him.

Prescott spoke at an annual Children’s Cancer Fund event in Dallas when asked about George Pickens.

“George loves football. That’s the one thing about it. I just want him to know, don’t change your love for football."

NFL Analyst Stephen A.Smith has backed Dak Prescott’s message for George Pickens, saying that it's important for him to love football despite his animosity toward getting franchise tagged.

Speaking to ESPN, he said, “As somebody who has sat down with Jerry Jones on several occasions, you've got to listen to Dak, who knows from experience”.

Smith is referring to when Prescott got franchise tagged twice by the Cowboys, but he continued to come to off-season training.

“Prescott knows what it's like dealing with Jerry. And as a result saying to George Pickens, don't lose your love for the game, bro. Do what you gotta do for you. And I think that's the ultimate lesson that Dak was trying to give to George Pickens. And I understand that I can respect that," he concluded.

Pickens, whom the Cowboys acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers last May, had a breakout season. He covered a career-best 1,429 yards and had 9 touchdowns, proving a perfect foil for CeeDee Lamb. Along with Prescott, he formed a crucial partnership for the Cowboys last season.

Jerry Jones and the front office's decision to franchise tag him this season only highlights his importance to the team.

However, players are not usually happy with a franchise tag as it shaves one year off their career when they try to secure a long-term deal with another franchise.

For Pickens, this tag will not be so ideal. Prescott is urging his teammate to focus on the football and not on the business aspect, something which may be hard to do for Pickens.

CeeDee Lamb showers high praise on George Pickens

Fellow wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who forged a formidable partnership with Pickens, highlighted his X-Factor and the energy he brings to the team.

Speaking with FanSided, Lamb said, “Even when you’re tired, you have another guy that’s ready to make a play, that’ll give you your energy back. I call him an energizer. Like he’s gonna bring that swag to the position, that energy, that toughness, and everything in between.”

Lamb further added that Pickens is a consummate professional in terms of work ethic, having watched him closely.

”I feel like he was a bit misconstrued out in Pittsburgh, but he got to Dallas and found himself, and I loved every bit of it. Just watching him grow overall as a player, mentally, and the way that he prepares week in and week out, so I feel like I got the closer look to see how great he really is.”

Last season, Lamb and Pickens scored 12 receiving touchdowns for a combined 2506 yards in 168 receptions.

Fans will be hoping that Pickens backs up his first season with the Cowboys with another strong performance this upcoming season.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker