Steelers' Jonnu Smith Has Clear Belief About Being In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are built on history, but their present is speaking just as loudly. For newly-signed tight end Jonnu Smith, joining the Steelers wasn’t just about another NFL opportunity. It was about culture. It was about fit. And most of all, it was about football.

During a recent appearance on the Zach Smacks Show, Smith peeled back the curtain on why Pittsburgh feels different. His words weren’t just complimentary; they were pointed. For a veteran who’s been in the league since 2017, these words carry weight.

“I'm in the best possible situation, you know, that any football junkie would want to be," Smith said. "You know what I mean? I'm in a with a winning organization, Hall of Fame quarterback, Hall of Fame coach with Mike T. You know, all types of ballers on both sides of the ball.”

Smith doesn’t sugarcoat it. This isn’t “a good spot” or “a fresh start.” He calls it the best possible situation. That’s a strong statement from a guy entering his ninth NFL season and joining fourth different team. More importantly, he frames it through the lens of a football junkie, not just a player, but someone obsessed with the game.

Stating he's "with a winning organization...” reflects what so many veterans feel when they arrive in Pittsburgh. Even during transition years, the Steelers never unravel. There’s always structure, and Smith sees that. He knows the NFL is full of teams that preach culture but don’t live it. In Pittsburgh, the wins and standards speak for themselves.

Smith also admires Aaron Rodgers' and Mike Tomlin's legacies. Smith doesn’t just name Tomlin and Rodgers; he calls them Hall of Famers, and he’s right. Tomlin’s resume speaks for itself. His 18 straight non-losing seasons make him one of the most respected head coaches in all of professional sports. It’s rare that players this deep into their career still gush about leadership, but Smith sees Tomlin as one of one, and he’s not alone.

This is where the quote zeroes in on Pittsburgh’s 2025 identity. Smith sees a roster filled with high-end talent. On offense, he’ll line up with Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and DK Metcalf core that blends physicality and upside. In the backfield, Jaylen Warren continues to earn more responsibility and praise from teammates.

On defense, Smith doesn’t need to spell out names. He knows players like TJ Watt and Patrick Queen bring to the field every Sunday. The Steelers don’t just have talent; they have players who set the tone.

Smith’s quote is more than just a soundbite; it’s a reflection of where the Steelers stand in 2025. Amidst new faces, staff shifts, and changing expectations, the team hasn’t lost its reputation as one of the league’s most stable destinations. Players around the NFL notice. And when a guy like Smith joins up and immediately calls it the “best possible situation,” that says something.

This isn’t just about splash signings or hype. It’s about collecting professionals who fit the culture. And as Smith’s quote proves, the Steelers have built a locker room that veterans want to be part of.

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There’s a reason Smith feels aligned in Pittsburgh, and it has little to do with statistics or scheme. It’s about the intangibles. Leadership. Structure. Purpose. The type of traits that don’t always show up on tape, but every player can feel. His quote isn’t just about excitement. It’s a signal. That even in a league that changes every year, some franchises still know who they are. And the Steelers, with Mike Tomlin at the helm and impact players across the board, are still one of them.

Do you think Smith is right? Are the Steelers truly the best place for a football junkie in 2025?

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