Steelers George Pickens’ explicit eye black prompts NFL investigation

George Pickens might be in a bit of trouble.

The NFL is reportedly investigating the Steelers wide receiver for an explicit message — which read: “Open F–king Always” — written on his face during Sunday night’s game against the Cowboys. 

League rules prohibit players from “wearing, displaying or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office.”

The NFL could fine Pickens for the message, but a suspension is unlikely. 

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he didn’t know anything about what was written on Pickens’ face.

“I don’t know what messaging you’re talking about regarding his eye black,” Tomlin said. “I didn’t have any outlying issue with his effort.”

Pickens finished Sunday’s 20-17 loss with just three catches — on seven targets — for 26 yards and may have taken out his frustration on the opposition. 

As time expired, Pickens was flagged for grabbing Dallas cornerback Jordan Lewis’ facemask and swinging him to the ground. 

Lewis would rip Pickens as he walked through the tunnel to the locker room just moments after the incident.

“Pittsburgh needs a receiver,” Lewis said in a video posted to social media. “George Pickens is weak.”

Pickens, 23, is no stranger to hefty fines from the league and Steelers. 

Last season, Pickens was fined at or above $200,000, according to a January report from CBS Sports, by the NFL and team combined. 

Pickens is on a four-year rookie contract worth up to $6.75 million, with roughly $3.9 million of that guaranteed. 

He can become a free agent after the 2025 season.