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Steelers will host former fan favorite in 2023

By Aaron Becker | Last updated Mar 17, 2023 10:38 AM ET

The Steelers lost one of their fans' favorite players of the past five years following the 2021 season. But after not meeting in 2022, Pittsburgh will finally come face to face with its friend-turned-foe.

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Patriots, and guess who hosts New England in 2023?

You guessed it, the Steelers.

Our 2023 Opponents ⤵️
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 10, 2023

Smith-Schuster was beloved by many in Pittsburgh after being drafted at just 20 years old. He set the NFL records for the youngest receiver with 1,500 receiving yards and the only player to score two-plus touchdowns of 97 yards.

The 26-year-old totaled 323 catches for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns during his five years as a Steeler.

However, his big personality rubbed some the wrong way, which may have led to the reason the team decided to not resign him following the 2021 season.

But his first year removed couldn't have gone much better. Smith-Schuster won Super Bowl LVII with the Chiefs and finally got the payday he's been looking for.

Now heading into his seventh season in the NFL, Smith-Schuster's got his ring and money. So what's next?

Maybe he's trying to defeat his two former teams as the Patriots also host Kansas City in 2023. But as for the Steelers, it will be quite the bittersweet reunion in Pittsburgh.

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker is a Pittsburgh-based sports journalist, primarily covering the NFL and college football. He previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22), Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-21) and University of Pittsburgh (2018-19). Becker has a B

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