Steelers Fan Favorite JuJu Smith-Schuster Gives Untold Details About Smashing Bengals Vontaze Burfict

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a physical and violent history. This is something the franchise's defenses have been known for since the dynasty of the 1970s, and that kind of defense has shown itself throughout Pittsburgh's history. The defenses in the 2000s and early 2010s were the same way, and it is a big reason why the NFL created the player safety initiative. That physicality and aggression didn't just exist on defense in Pittsburgh. Players like Hines Ward brought that to the offensive side of the football as he laid several devastating blocks throughout his career.

JuJu Smith-Schuster was another player on the offensive side of the football that wasn't afraid to get dirty. He is known for being a great wide receiver in Pittsburgh during the first couple years of his career, but the most legendary moment of his time with the Steelers is probably when he laid out Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict during a Monday Night Football game in 2017, which happened to be his rookie year. Smith-Schuster recently joined Cam Heyward on the Not Just Football podcast, where he spoke about that moment.

"Look, when I made that block, obviously they called it a flag, I felt like, it was a good hit," Smith-Schuster said. "The penalty was unsportsmanlike conduct, you know standing over him. I remember when I hit him, I'm just looking down at him, and I think David DeCastro comes over and pulls me. As I'm looking down at him, like he's not here, he's sleep. I was just staring at him, and I was like, 'D*mn, legendary, right?'"

The hit on Burfict would have been cool for Pittsburgh fans regardless of the circumstances, but it is important to point out the history that went into this hit. During the Wild Card Round of the playoffs two seasons prior, Burfict hit Antonio Brown while he was going to catch a ball over the middle of the field. It knocked him out of the game and kept him out of the Divisional Round game as well. It was labeled a dirty hit, and Smith-Schuster's hit was viewed as a bit of payback.

Smith-Schuster was not even on the team when Brown was hit by Burfict, but he still got some revenge for his teammate. The young wide receiver was flagged twice on the play, once for unsportsmanlike conduct, and once again for taunting. Most Pittsburgh fans were probably fine with the 15-yard penalty at the time.

Pittsburgh was down 20-13 at the time of the hit, and that was with around seven minute remaining in the game. The Steelers were able to come back and win by a score of 23-20. Pittsburgh overcame the penalty with a 24-yard reception by Brown on the very next play, and that drive finished with a touchdown to Brown. Pittsburgh's defense then forced a three and out, and Chris Boswell kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired. It can be assumed that the hit might have given Pittsburgh that jolt of energy that the team needed to complete the comeback victory.

Steelers Have Seen JuJu Smith-Schuster Enjoy Great Success Since Leaving Pittsburgh

Smith-Schuster's career in Pittsburgh started out great, but he struggled with injuries during his final season with the team in 2021. He was only able to play in five games, and the final game of his career with the Steelers came in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. He was a free agent after the season, and he signed with the Chiefs on a one-year deal for the 2022 season. He wound up winning Super Bowl LVII with the Chiefs, and he then spent the 2023 season with the New England Patriots. 

He was released after one year, and he is back with the Chiefs where he is considered a reliable target.

What do you think about Smith-Schuster's story of his big hit on Burfict? Let us know in the comments below!

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