Pittsburgh Steelers: JuJu Smith-Schuster named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie, JuJu Smith-Schuster, has done more than anyone expected this season, earning the Week 17 AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

JuJu has become more than a rookie with a stolen bike in Pittsburgh. The wide receiver has broken out into one of the biggest impacters on this team’s offense, and is now putting out award-winning numbers in the kick return as well.

Smith-Schuster’s 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown boosted the Steelers over the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. As Pittsburgh entered the game with multiple starters on the bench, Smith-Schuster put the team on his back with his most impressive game of the season.

Smith-Schuster finished the game with 265 all-purpose yards, racking up nine receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown, on top of his 96-yard touchdown return.

The youngest player in the NFL is making his mark early, at age 21. Bringing in 58 catches for 917 yards and seven touchdowns, Smith-Schuster has become of Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite targets down the middle of the field.

The Steelers’ offense is going to need to rely on Smith-Schuster during the postseason. With Antonio Brown continuing his rehab, Roethlisberger will be looking for his other receivers to step up in AB can’t go. The way it looks now, his favorite option will be No. 19 until Brown returns to the field.

Smith-Schuster hasn’t had a large role in special teams so far this season. But after this performance, it’d be no surprise to see him returning kicks during the playoffs, especially with Brown barely returning to action.

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The future is bright for JuJu in Pittsburgh. He’s stolen the hearts of every fan of black and gold, and it’s no secret the city loves this kid. With a long career left ahead, there’s no question Smith-Schuster is going to be a major factor in the Steelers’ offense for years to come.