How do you celebrate your birthday if it lands on gameday? Blow out imaginary candles on top of a football, of course.
That’s what JuJu Smith-Schuster did, turning 24 Sunday while the Steelers played the Jaguars. After a 31-yard touchdown catch from Chase Claypool — the rookie’s 10th total score in 10 career games — the receivers gathered around Smith-Schuster.
They sang “Happy birthday,” and Smith-Schuster removed his helmet to blow out the faux-cake presented by Claypool.
Blow out the candles, @TeamJuJu 🎂@ChaseClaypool | @budlight | #BudLightCelly pic.twitter.com/RXYCGMGTQ9
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 22, 2020
Smith-Schuster’s no longer the clear No. 1 target in Pittsburgh anymore. That’s because there’s a glut of talent around quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Three receivers entered Sunday’s contest with over 400 receiving yards: Smith-Schuster (516 yards), Claypool (500) and Diontae Johnson (426).
Those targets have played a large part in the Steelers’ undefeated start. It’s unclear what Smith-Schuster wished for when he blew out the candles, but another win could’ve been it.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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