The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2025 season with a fresh identity and a buzz that hasn’t been felt in years.
It started in the offseason with splashy acquisitions like four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers and physical wideout DK Metcalf, but what’s happening behind the scenes at training camp might be even more intriguing—especially for those of us watching every snap with a critical eye.
One of the biggest surprises came when tight end Jonnu Smith lined up in the backfield, not to block, but to run the ball. Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot reported that Smith ran two toss plays during warmups.
At first, I thought it was just a wrinkle. But snap after snap, Smith was taking handoffs like a seasoned halfback. Then it hit me—this isn’t just a gimmick. This is Arthur Smith going back to his roots.
Smith, of course, coached Jonnu back in Tennessee. That version of Jonnu was a jack-of-all-trades—tight end, H-back, motion man, and yes, even an occasional ball carrier. Seeing them reunite here in Pittsburgh, now wearing the black and gold, has been more than nostalgic.
It’s a calculated move to unlock a new level of unpredictability in the Steelers offense.
Jonnu Smith's versatility is a good sign for the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense
During recent practices, the Steelers showcased a rare four-tight end package that pulled Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson off the field and inserted Jonnu into the backfield. It’s the kind of creativity we’ve been begging for over the years, and Arthur Smith is finally delivering.
It’s not just for show, either. Jonnu Smith has rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown over his career—modest numbers, sure, but telling when you consider most tight ends never sniff a handoff.
With Rodgers under center, and defenses forced to respect both Metcalf’s deep threat and Pat Freiermuth’s presence underneath, Jonnu’s versatility becomes a real weapon.
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This isn’t the same old Steelers offense. It’s layered. It’s dynamic. And it’s built on trust—trust between a coordinator and a player who’ve done this dance before.
Seeing Jonnu find his footing again under Arthur Smith isn’t just heartwarming, it’s exciting. It’s a reminder that in a league of copycats, creativity still wins.
Don’t be surprised if Jonnu Smith becomes a weekly highlight—not just catching passes, but carrying the rock too. In Pittsburgh, this isn’t just a reunion. It’s a rebirth.