Getty JuJu Smith-Schuster on the field during Steelers-Packers game.
All it took was one bang-bang play to abruptly end the season of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
In the Steelers clash with the Denver Broncos on October 10, Smith-Schuster took a jarring blow to the shoulder on a tackle by safety Kareem Jackson. After a few moments of being evaluated by the medical staff, Smith-Schuster was escorted off the field, wincing in pain. The very next day, fateful news broke that Smith-Schuster’s season was over.
Despite the anguish from a season cut short, Smith-Schuster honored a previous commitment to the JuJu Foundation Luau, where he delivered a moving speech in front of a crowd of Steelers faithful. There was not a dry eye in the house.
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At the @JuJuFoundation Luau on Monday night, @TeamJuJu delivered a message to his family, friends and teammates in attendance.
“Football has done so much for me in my life, more than you will ever know,” Smith-Schuster said, choking back tears.
At first, Smith-Schuster said he didn’t think the injury was significant.
“A shoulder injury, I thought, you put it back in, and you’ll be fine within two weeks. Our bye week is coming up; I can take two weeks off, come back and play the season.”
Smith-Schuster went on to explain what went down after the doctor told him he needed season-ending surgery. “I cried all night because I love this game so much… I know God has a bright future for me.”
Established in 2019, the JuJu Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting youth initiatives and lifting the spirits of those in need.
On the Mend
Following successful shoulder surgery on October 13, the Pro Bowl receiver was in good spirits. He shared an update for his Instagram followers:
Blessed to have had a successful surgery this morning. There’s no other way to say it, but I’m heartbroken that I’m going to be out for the rest of the season. It kills me to have worked hard all year to help our team on the field and now have my season cut short five weeks in. I’ll do everything in my power to recover and I’ll put in another full offseason of work next year to perform to the best of my abilities next season. Thank you to the doctors and hospital staffs for taking care of me, and to the @Steelers organization for supporting me during this tough time! Thank you everyone for the well wishes too. I really appreciate all of the love. Be back soon
True Teammate
Not a day had gone by post-surgery, and Smith-Schuster was already back at practice with his teammates. The best he can do is be supportive from the sideline instead of the statline. And that will be more than enough because Smith-Schuster, who will be 25 in November, is the veteran in a young receiver corps. Second-year wideout Chase Claypool still has a lot to learn, and having Smith-Schuster’s input from an observational standpoint will be unbelievably valuable.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talks with injured wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster during practice Thursday.
Anthony Miller, the Steelers’ newest wide receiver, will likely be thrown into the mix in Week 6. Miller, two years older than Smith-Schuster, has been in the league one season less. Miller would be wise to take advantage of Smith-Schuster’s guidance and soak up every ounce of knowledge that Smith-Schuster can put down.