Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens practices catching tennis balls at night

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens shared his unique training method on September 4, 2026, describing how he practices catching tennis balls in total darkness. Pickens stated that performing drills without any light sources helps him sharpen his focus on the ball rather than relying on visual surroundings. The receiver is currently playing under a franchise tag for the 2026 season following a 2025 campaign where he recorded 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. His individual performance this year is critical, as the organization faces significant salary cap challenges regarding his future and that of teammate CeeDee Lamb. While Pickens works to refine his craft, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones indicated that the team faces difficulty maintaining both receivers at current market rates long-term. Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin noted that expectations for players entering their second contracts now extend beyond statistics to include leadership and intangible contributions.

• 9:58 PMYahoo Sports — George Pickens Reveals Why He Catches Tennis Balls at Night With No Lights