From Steel City to Star City

When the Dallas Cowboys acquired George Pickens through a strategic offseason trade, the football world immediately focused on two questions: How would the former Steelers receiver adapt to America's Team, and what number would he choose? The answer came during OTAs as Pickens took the field sporting number 13 - a decision blending practicality with symbolic significance.

The Number Game

Roster Realities

Pickens' number selection faced immediate constraints:

• 14 occupied by RB Josh Kelly
• 1 claimed by WR Jalen Tolbert
• College number 1 unavailable

This numerical squeeze led to 13 emerging as the practical choice, last worn by former Cowboy Michael Gallup who never fully capitalized on the number's potential.

A Symbolic Fresh Start

Beyond logistics, 13 represents:

• Clean slate after inconsistent Pittsburgh QB play
• Opportunity to redefine his NFL legacy
• Alignment with Dallas' high-powered offense featuring Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb

Teammate Lamb fueled excitement stating: "We're both ones - defensive coordinators can't double both of us."

By the Numbers

NFL Number Rules

League regulations permit WRs to wear:

• 0-49
• 80-89

This flexibility allows personal expression while maintaining position identification.

Pickens' Production

• 2023 yards per reception: 18.1 (3rd among NFL WRs)
• Career 50/50 ball win rate: 63.2%
• Deep target conversion rate: 41.3%

What's Next?

While committed to 13 for now, Pickens remains open to changes:

• Potential number swap before season start
• Possibility of claiming 1 if available
• Focus on building chemistry with Prescott

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how this number change translates to on-field production in Dallas' star-studded offense.