Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens is heading into his final season under the franchise tag, a contract that will pay him $27.3 million for the 2026 season. In a recent interview with NBC 5, Pickens explained that his approach to the game is heavily influenced by the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant’s “killer mentality” on Pickens’ mind
Pickens said, “Definitely, the components from Kobe’s mentality were different from any other athlete. LeBron James said it himself. Michael Jordan said it. His mentality was kind of different. That’s what I try to bring every day.” He added that the mindset helps him stay focused regardless of on‑field outcomes, emphasizing a “one‑day‑at‑a‑time” philosophy and a constant drive to improve.
When asked to rank his top three NBA players, Pickens listed LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, noting that he believes Jordan was more selfish with the ball compared with Bryant’s team‑first approach.
Jerry Jones reflects on Micah Parsons trade
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones also spoke about a major roster move from a year ago. In the offseason, the Cowboys traded defensive star Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Jones said the trade was a catalyst for the team’s newly‑revamped defense, stating, “Micah is a great player. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make that kind of trade. The fact that we revamped our defense, that was an instigator toward that attitude.”
Jones praised the outcome, saying he is pleased with how the defense has performed since the move. He also highlighted other pieces of the transaction, including the involvement of defensive tackle Kenny Clark and the signing of defensive end Quinnen Williams to a three‑year, $106 million extension.
Implications for the Cowboys’ future
Pickens’ contract situation and the defensive overhaul are both central to the Cowboys’ plans for the upcoming season. With Pickens set to earn a franchise‑tag salary, the team will need to decide whether to negotiate a long‑term deal or let him test free agency. Meanwhile, the defensive changes sparked by the Parsons trade have already shown results, and the organization appears confident in the direction it has taken.
Both stories underscore the Cowboys’ focus on blending veteran talent with a mindset of continual improvement—a philosophy that mirrors the “killer mentality” Pickens admires in Kobe Bryant and the strategic adjustments championed by Jerry Jones.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
