It wasn't his camp and it wasn't his responsibility, but Pat Freiermuth's team and community is more than an obligation to him.
Highmark Stadium is set to host the George Pickens Youth Football Camp on Saturday, June 28. The sold-out TruEdge Sports event was to have former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens as the main guest with families and children excited to meet the NFL talent.
Upon his trade to the Dallas Cowboys on May 7, Pickens said he was still committed to the event and would show up at Highmark Stadium regardless. Three days before, though, TruEdge Sports released a message stating that the former Steelers wide receiver that the event is named after would no longer be in attendance.
The latter half of the message read:
"Unfortunately, as of last week, TruEdge was notified by [Pickens'] team that he has decided to walk back on his word and is no longer interested in attending the camp. Let us be very clear: we are deeply frustrated by this decision and the position it has placed all of us in.
" . . . His sudden decision to back out not only reflects a disappointing lack of accountability, but also shows a disregard for the families and children who were excited to meet him. We are incredibly disappointed by his actions and [they] do not express the goals or motives of TruEdge Sports."
In a disappointing and frustrating turn of events, Freiermuth, the former Penn State Nittany Lion, opted to step up and deliver the promise the Steelers made to their community.
TruEdge ended their message, writing:
"That said, we are determined for this event to be a wonderful experience for you all. As soon as we were informed of [Pickens'] decision, our team went to preserve this event. We're pleased to share that Steelers Tight End Pat Freiermuth has officially committed to stepping in as a guest for this camp. Additionally, we are actively in talks with multiple other Steelers players and fully intend to build out an exciting lineup that delivers value to every family. As new players are confirmed, we will notify you immediately."
WOW! 🤯🤯🤯
— The Standard (@TheStandard412) June 25, 2025
George Pickens bailed on his sold-out youth camp at Highmark Stadium.
Said he’d go after the trade — then backed out.
But last minute Pat Freiermuth stepped up.
Wasn’t his camp or his job — but he showed up anyway.
That’s a Steeler#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/rySFAwdol3
Upon hearing the news across various posts on X, the Steelers fan favorite has been praised for his "class act" by fans and media alike. Not only do his actions reflect the values of Pittsburgh but also the heart of Penn State.
My respect for Pat Freiermuth has gone through the roof… major props to him for stepping up to help out with a youth camp while another player bailed last second
— Riley Holsinger (@HolsingerRiley) June 25, 2025
Freiermuth played for the Nittany Lions and was a two-time team captain. After this last NCAA season, he received the Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year award and was the first Nittany Lion to do so.
After his junior season at Penn State, the tight end declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh drafted him in the second round and Freiermuth went No. 55 overall.