It didn’t take long for JuJu Smith-Schuster to explode onto the scene for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a rookie in 2017, JuJu played 14 games and started just 7, yet managed 917 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown and a kick return touchdown, while breaking out for an impressive 26.7 yards per kick return.
In year two, JuJu was even more impressive. He proved to be more than just a reliable target for Ben Roethlisberger, and cemented his status as an upper echelon wide receiver in the NFL. JuJu not only pulled down some impressive numbers (111 catches, 1,426 yards, 7 touchdowns), but was also one of the best receivers in the clutch – showing up big against the Jaguars and the Bengals.
JuJu has been able to do all of this by the age of 22. But it’s not just his ability on the field that make him a fan favorite.
Smith-Schuster is just a kid at heart (and just a few years removed from being a kid himself). This weekend, JuJu did a very JuJu-like thing: He held an outdoor party for boys and girls in Pittsburgh.
The shindig apparently included free food and drinks, giant blow-up slides, and featured a massive water balloon fight. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette captured this:
JuJu playing dodge ball at Donaldson Park in North Fayette. pic.twitter.com/81rROA61Fp
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) May 11, 2019
JuJu is no stranger to fun, and it looks like everyone was having a blast. All expenses were apparently paid for out of JuJu’s pocket. Fittipaldo continued to say the following about JuJu and his outdoor party:
Apparently, JuJu walked his dog up here this week, stopped into the community center and asked to hold this event here. It’s all free. He paid for Kona Ice Truck and @CFARobinson sandwiches. When those ran out he ordered 100 pizzas.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) May 11, 2019
JuJu also pulled out wads of cash out of his fanny pack and paid the winners of the dodge ball game.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) May 11, 2019
A woman here said JuJu went to Wal Mary this morning to buy all the water toys. Her son was collecting for charity and JuJu dropped $900 on his can.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) May 11, 2019
It’s true that JuJu is not the type of player that would like to stay out of the spotlight. He’s a social media fanatic that has no problem with being the center of attention.
But regardless of what you think of his big personality, it’s hard not to like a player that so often goes out of his way and comes back down to earth for the young fans that adore him.