When JuJu Smith-Schuster rejoined the Kansas City Chiefs this summer after a disappointing season with the New England Patriots, many wondered if the 27-year-old wide receiver’s best days were behind him. But through the first several weeks of the 2024 NFL season, Smith-Schuster is proving emphatically that he still has plenty left in the tank.
Stepping Up When Needed Most
The Chiefs were dealt a significant blow in Week 4 when their leading receiver, sophomore standout Rashee Rice, went down with a knee injury. Suddenly, more was going to be asked of the veteran Smith-Schuster. And he has responded in a major way.
In Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, JuJu erupted for 7 catches, 130 yards, and a touchdown, looking every bit like the dynamic playmaker who burst onto the scene with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After the game, he took to social media with a simple message: “Unc Still Got it Mane.” The nickname “Unc” comes from 21-year-old teammate Xavier Worthy, a playful jab at Smith-Schuster being the elder statesman of the receiver room.
“Xavier’s always made fun of me, like, ‘Man, unc man, I don’t know if you still got it,'” Smith-Schuster said with a laugh.
– JuJu Smith-Schuster on his “Unc” nickname
Chemistry with Mahomes
A huge factor in Smith-Schuster’s resurgence has been his undeniable chemistry with superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The two connected often in 2022 when JuJu first joined the Chiefs, and they have picked up right where they left off. Mahomes raved about Smith-Schuster’s feel for the offense and knack for getting open.
“He just does a good job of knowing where to be at, knowing the full concept of the offense, getting himself open in man-to-man coverage and then just doing whatever it takes to be good. He’ll block, he’ll catch the ball, he’ll run routes, get other guys open, just a true team player.”
– Patrick Mahomes on JuJu Smith-Schuster
That understanding and trust between quarterback and receiver can’t be overstated. As the Chiefs look to keep pace in a loaded AFC West, having that kind of reliability from a veteran pass catcher like Smith-Schuster could prove invaluable.
Leading by Example
In addition to his on-field production, Smith-Schuster has embraced his role as a leader and mentor to the Chiefs’ younger receivers. He takes pride in imparting the wisdom gained from his years of NFL experience.
“You talk about being able to read defenses, being able to see coverages, being able to see so many different things that pretty much help you to the next standard and the next level,” Smith-Schuster said. “And being able to share that with the young guys. It’s pretty cool.”
That veteran presence and knowledge has earned the respect and admiration of both his teammates and coaches. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised Smith-Schuster’s attention to detail, physical conditioning, and football IQ.
“The main thing is he’s kept himself in great shape and he’s smart. He knows how to play the game.”
– Andy Reid on JuJu Smith-Schuster
Rising to the Occasion
As the Chiefs navigate the absence of Rice and await the return of fellow star receiver Hollywood Brown from injury, the onus will be on Smith-Schuster to continue delivering. And if his play thus far is any indication, he is more than up to the task.
Smith-Schuster understands the pressure that comes with being a go-to target for a perennial Super Bowl contender. But rather than shy away from it, he embraces it.
“I always have pressure on myself. It’s something I’ve always lived with is playing with pressure. It kind of makes me feel like a better person and a better player.”
– JuJu Smith-Schuster on dealing with pressure
That mindset, combined with his undeniable talent and connection with Mahomes, has Smith-Schuster poised to continue his impressive comeback season. And for a Chiefs team with championship aspirations, his reemergence couldn’t have come at a better time.
As he proved against the Saints and in the weeks since, JuJu Smith-Schuster is far from washed up. “Unc” still has plenty of big plays and eye-popping stat lines left in him. And the Chiefs are more than happy to have him as a centerpiece of their high-powered attack.
So the next time a young teammate questions if he’s still got it, Smith-Schuster will let his play do the talking. Because if there’s one thing he’s making abundantly clear this season, it’s that JuJu Smith-Schuster is back – and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
