New England Patriots' JuJu Smith-Schuster Motivated For Pittsburgh Steelers Homecoming: 'Win!'

On Thursday night, New England Patriots receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will return to Pittsburgh for the first time since leaving the Steelers.

To say that JuJu Smith-Schuster's debut season with the New England Patriots hasn't gone as planned would be an understatement. 

A former Pro Bowl selection, Smith-Schuster has looked like a shell of his old self this season. In 10 games, the former Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs receiver has just 25 receptions for 170 yards and a sole touchdown. After signing a three-year deal worth $33 million this offseason, Smith-Schuster has found himself in and out of the starting lineup due to a combination of injuries and underperformance.

The Patriots are desperate for a way to get their big offseason acquisition back on track, and perhaps a return to his old stomping grounds could do the trick. New England's Thursday night game in Pittsburgh marks the first time Smith-Schuster will face the team that drafted him, let alone his return to Acrisure Stadium. Safe to say that the 27-year-old receiver is looking forward to his Steelers homecoming.

Smith-Schuster, then with the Steelers, and Patriots coach Bill Belichick share an embrace after a game in 2018

“I’m excited,” Smith-Schuster said. “First time going back. It’ll be cool to see Mike Tomlin, play against those boys and just get a win.”

Patriots' JuJu Still a Respected Star (by Steelers)

Smith-Schuster enjoyed the best years of his career in Pittsburgh, with his 2018 season being particularly great as he had 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. After that, though, the Steelers' offensive changes did not mesh with his strengths. Despite some solid years in Pittsburgh and Kansas City, including a Super Bowl victory with the latter, Smith-Schuster never put up the same gaudy numbers he did in 2018.

Even if the Patriots' playoff hopes are practically non-existent at this point, Thursday night's game should be an emotional one for Smith-Schuster in particular.

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