The Pittsburgh Steelers decided in to use their 62nd pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on a very young wide receiver from the USC Trojans, JuJu Smith-Schuster. He was not a speed burner, or an especially big target at 6 foot 1, 215 pounds, but he had exceptional hands and his draft comparisom was Anquan Boldin who turned his skills into a long and productive NFL career.
Smith-Schuster was very young, in fact he was the 4th youngest player in NFL history. He developed a connection with Ben Roethlisberger and had a fantastic rookie year opposite Antonio Brown with 58 catches and nearly 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns. His sophomore NFL campaign was even better as he established himself with 111 catches and over 1,400 yards as a player who was viewed as the co-number 1 receiver by a large portion of the fanbase. His production led to him be named the Steelers MVP in 2018 and his future was bright.
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 11 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
We all know what happened in 2019. Brown melted down over the Smith-Schuster love and did not appreciate him being thought of as equal to him. Brown forced his way out of Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger got hurt against the Seattle Seahawks, Smith-Schuster missed four games and posted career lows in all receiving categories as Diontae Johnson flashed big play ability with the combination of Mason Rudolph and Devlin “Duck” Hodges. Roethlisberger returned in 2020 and Smith-Schuster in 14 games posted 97 receptions, but it was evident that his connection with his quarterback was leading to a lot of 5-to-7-yard catches on key plays, but not much else. He lost all but five games to injury in 2021, but it was clear Johnson was the number one receiver and Chase Claypool had passed him by as the second receiver. The Steelers were moving on, even though it seemed he could be had for a very team-friendly deal.
Smith-Schuster returned to Pittsburgh Sunday morning for a meet and greet with Steeler fans, his love for the team and city is apparent. By 9am according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer, Brian Batko, more than 100 Steelers fans had formed a line outside the Strip District Terminal. Smith-Schuster was conducting a “final farewell” to the fans at $20 per ticket with all proceeds benefitting several local charities via the JuJu Foundation. Smith-Schuster explained the event:
“Everything was just going too fast, you know? Move by move, as soon as I signed [with Kansas City Chiefs] I had to move out, went to KC, moved in, but at the same time I never really had a going away, I would say story, I guess. I thought this was the time to do it. I have so many Steelers fans, I did not expect to see today.”
JuJu Foundation Flyer
Smith-Schuster's love affair with Pittsburgh started immediately. His youthful exuberance and the fact that he could not legally buy a drink when he arrived in the city, connected with Steeler fans. He was like a son, or grandchild to older fans and a big brother to younger ones. His touchdown dances were legendary, and his smile may have reminded a lot of fans of another Steeler receiver, Hines Ward. He seemed to enjoy blocking as much as catching touchdowns and Steeler Nation loved him for it.
The $20 ticket to this event included a merchandise item, autograph and photo with Smith-Schuster, but he made it an experience. In typical fashion, he gave his all, not just what was required. You can watch some of the event here on YouTube.
He filmed Tik-Toks with fans, made small talk, posed for custom photos and even his mom and his Instagram-famous dog, Boujee got in on the action. Tyson Alualu stopped by the event with his son Tyree to say goodbye to Sammy Toa-Schuster and her son. Alualu shared his thoughts:
“He was what the epitome of a Steeler is when he put on that uniform,” Alualu said. “He’s definitely going to be missed, but I think with all the people here, the long line outside, it shows how much people love and care for him, even though he’s not a Steeler. But you know how that saying goes: Once a Steeler, always a Steeler. This goes to show that.”Smith-Schuster obviously has not worn out his welcome with the fanbase. He only signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs, and it is conceivable depending on how the 2022 season shakes down that if the Steelers and their current number 1 receiver Johnson cannot reach an agreement, that he could return to the Steel City in the near future. Smith-Schuster himself seemed open to the possibility:
“I could see myself back here. Even today, this shows a lot, that I still have fans out here coming out to support me.”A year with Patrick Mahomes could show that Smith-Schuster has the skillset to get a little further down the field and get open as a viable outside receiver again. Smith-Schuster was limited by injury and the arm strength of his quarterbacks the last three seasons. Despite that, he proved he could still be productive inside. His toughness on contested catches over the middle of the field should make for interesting viewing as the Chiefs have someone who fills that role now in Travis Kelce.
Smith-Schuster for his part displayed the Steeler mentality by commenting on Johnson’s contract:
“I hope one receiver gets paid out of the Steelers. I think the past five years they've drafted a receiver almost every year, but I hope someone gets paid. I hope it’s Diontae.”Smith-Schuster might have his faults, but being a good teammate was never one of them. If Johnson does earn a second contract with the Steelers at this point, it would mean the team had a very good 2022 season. It also would mean that some combination of Chase Claypool, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III will emerge along with Pat Freiermuth as the future pass catchers for the Steelers. But in a wide receiver market that bestows $72 million dollar contracts on players like Christian Kirk, maybe a second contract for a player of Johnson’s caliber just won’t be in the cards.
Smith-Schuster mused at the event:
"I hurt my shoulder, wasn't really out there performing. But at the same time, I was just blessed to be a part of this dynasty. And you never know. That’s why I came back to do this. Because at the end of the day, you never know.”
What do you think Steeler Nation? Would you like to see JuJu return home to the Steelers next season? Please comment below or on my Twitter@thebubbasq.
