George Pickens Ignores Greg Newsome Ahead of Steelers-Browns Rematch: ‘I Don’t Even Know Who That Is

George Pickens and Greg Newsome: A Rivalry Renewed Ahead of Steelers-Browns Showdown

This Sunday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns may not hold significant playoff implications, but George Pickens and Greg Newsome II are sure to make it emotionally charged. The Steelers’ wide receiver and the Browns’ cornerback have already sparked a heated exchange, setting the stage for an intense AFC North rivalry showdown.

The Steelers and Browns have a long-standing rivalry that has seen its fair share of drama over the years. However, Pickens’ recent remarks about the Browns have added extra fuel to the fire. After Pittsburgh’s 24-19 loss to Cleveland earlier this season, Pickens didn’t mince words about the team. When asked about the Browns, he flatly stated, “I don’t even know who that is”, referring to Newsome.

This dismissal was a continuation of Pickens’ disdain for the Browns. Despite Cleveland’s 3-9 record and a failed season that saw them fall short of playoff contention, Pickens maintained that he didn’t view the Browns as a legitimate threat. He pointed to their poor performance, saying, “I just go by the record.” His comments stirred up plenty of reaction, especially in the locker room of the Browns.

Newsome, not one to let the insult slide, responded with a pointed retort. He claimed that Pickens only cared about himself and was focused on personal accolades, rather than team success. Newsome also took aim at Pickens’ behavior on the field, pointing to his tendency to draw unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, including two such infractions during a recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Newsome added even more spice to the exchange by sharing a screenshot of a 2019 direct message from Pickens, which featured laughing emojis and a clown face, mocking Pickens’ earlier remarks.

The Steelers have historically had the upper hand in this rivalry. Since the Browns’ return to the NFL in 1999 as an expansion team, Pittsburgh has dominated the matchups. However, Cleveland has had its moments, including a surprising 2020 Wild Card win and some recent successes in home games against Pittsburgh. The Browns won their last meeting at Acrisure Stadium in 2003, and they are currently 4-1 in their past five games played in Cleveland.

Pickens’ statement, though, reinforces the prevailing sentiment in Pittsburgh that Cleveland remains the “little brother” in this rivalry. Even with the Browns’ rare victories over the years, the Steelers are widely considered the superior franchise, especially in terms of consistency and historical success.

With Pickens and Newsome set to face off again this Sunday, the tension will be palpable. While the game may lack the playoff implications that typically make AFC North matchups must-see affairs, the personal animosities between the two players promise to deliver high drama. Pickens, despite being listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury, is expected to play, and fans will be watching to see if he and Newsome will exchange more words—or even more—on the field.

As both teams prepare for this week’s clash, all eyes will be on the personal stakes between Pickens and Newsome, which could very well become the defining storyline of this already bitter rivalry.