JuJu Smith-Schuster

JuJu Smith-Schuster: biography

JuJu Smith-Schuster is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL).

Childhood and youth

JuJu Smith-Schuster was born on November 22, 1996, in Long Beach, California. He grew up in a diverse community and was raised by his mother, Sammy Toa Schuster, who is of Samoan descent. His mother worked multiple jobs to support the family, and JuJu often helped out by doing chores around the house.

As a child, JuJu was interested in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. He began playing football at the age of six, and he quickly showed promise as a wide receiver. He played youth football for the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits, one of the most storied high school football programs in the country.

In high school, JuJu continued to excel on the football field. He attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where he played football, basketball, and track and field. As a football player, he set numerous school records and was considered one of the top recruits in the country.

Despite receiving offers from several top college football programs, JuJu chose to stay close to home and attend the University of Southern California (USC). He played football for the USC Trojans for three seasons before declaring for the NFL draft in 2017.

Throughout his childhood and youth, JuJu was known for his hard work and dedication, both on and off the field. He credits his mother and his family for instilling these values in him and supporting him throughout his career.

Football career

JuJu Smith-Schuster's football career began at a young age, playing youth football for the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits. He continued to excel in high school, where he played football, basketball, and track and field at Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

After graduating from high school, JuJu attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he played football for the Trojans for three seasons. During his time at USC, he established himself as one of the top wide receivers in college football. In his sophomore season, he caught 89 passes for 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors. He continued to impress in his junior season, catching 70 passes for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns.

After his junior season, JuJu decided to declare for the NFL draft in 2017. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the draft, and he quickly established himself as a key player on the team. In his rookie season, he caught 58 passes for 917 yards and 7 touchdowns, helping the Steelers make the playoffs.

JuJu continued to improve in his second season, catching 111 passes for 1,426 yards and 7 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 2,500 receiving yards, and he established himself as one of the top young wide receivers in the league.

Injuries and changes to the Steelers' offense limited JuJu's production in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, but he continued to be a reliable target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.In 2020, JuJu Smith-Schuster continued to be a reliable target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, catching 97 passes for 831 yards and 9 touchdowns. He also set a career-high in catch percentage at 76.5%, showing his efficiency as a receiver. However, the Steelers struggled in the second half of the season and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

In March 2021, JuJu signed a one-year, $8 million contract to return to the Steelers for the 2021 season. He expressed his loyalty to the team and his desire to help them win a Super Bowl. However, the 2021 season did not go as planned for the Steelers, as they finished with a 9-7 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019. JuJu struggled with injuries throughout the season, playing in only 7 games and catching 38 passes for 398 yards and 5 touchdowns.

In February 2022, JuJu became a free agent again and signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. He expressed excitement about joining a new team and working with quarterback Derek Carr. In his first season with the Raiders, JuJu will look to bounce back from his injury-plagued 2021 campaign and establish himself as a key player in their offense.

On March 15, 2023 JuJu signed a 3-year contract with the New England Patriots.

Throughout his career, JuJu has been known for his versatility as a wide receiver. He is able to play both inside and outside positions, and he is effective at catching short and intermediate passes as well as deep balls. He is also a strong blocker, often contributing to the Steelers' running game.

Personal life

JuJu is currently dating a girl called Alessandra Gesiotto. There is not much information about her on the web as she is not a public person.

In addition to his successful football career, JuJu Smith-Schuster has a vibrant personal life that includes a variety of hobbies and interests. He is known for his love of video games, and he has become a prominent figure in the gaming community. He has streamed on Twitch and participated in various esports events, including the Fortnite World Cup Celebrity Pro-Am in 2019.

JuJu is also an avid traveler and enjoys exploring new places around the world. He has visited countries like Japan and France, and he often shares photos and videos from his travels on social media.

Off the field, JuJu is known for his engaging personality and his positive attitude. He is often described as a team player and a leader in the locker room, and he is well-respected by his teammates and coaches. He is also known for his charitable efforts, including his work with the JuJu Foundation, which he founded in 2019 to support youth initiatives and programs.

Awards and achievements

• First-team All-Pac-12 (2015, 2016)
• Rose Bowl champion (2017)
• Pro Bowl selection (2018)
• Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team (2017)
• Youngest player in NFL history to reach 2,500 receiving yards (2018)
• NFL record for most receptions by a player before his 23rd birthday (2018)
• NFL record for most catches in the first two seasons of a player's career with the Steelers (2017-2018)
• Pittsburgh Steelers team MVP (2018)
• Fastest player in NFL history to reach 2,500 receiving yards and 200 receptions (2019)