JuJu Smith-Schuster clearly wasn't interest in talking to TMZ while recently making way through the airport. When a cameraman for celebrity gossip site asked him about his relationship with former teammate Antonio Brown, though, the Pittsburgh Steelers star nevertheless felt compelled to set the record straight.

“That's my guy,” Smith-Schuster said when asked if he's spoken with Brown since the latter was traded last month. “Always. No bad blood.”

Brown was traded to the Oakland Raiders last month in exchange for third and fifth-round picks in the 2019 NFL draft. Despite producing 104 catches, 1,297 receiving yards, and a league-leading 15 touchdowns, the six-time Pro Bowler grew increasingly frustrated with the Steelers last season, frequently clashing with franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and coach Mike Tomlin. He requested a trade in February.

Losing a player of Brown's caliber opens up a hole at receiver for Pittsburgh, one the team is counting on Smith-Schuster to fill. The two-year pro had 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns last season, firmly establishing himself as one of the league's most dynamic young playmakers.

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Smith-Schuster has been open about his excitement to become the Steelers No. 1 option in the wake of Brown's unceremonious departure. The flamboyanbt pair have also traded thinly-veiled barbs on social media, most notably when Brown posted a series of his statistics after Smith-Schuster was named the team's MVP. Smith-Schuster recently came to the defense of Roethlisberger amid loudening questions about the two-time Super Bowl champion's leadership style, too, criticism initially brought to light by Brown earlier this offseason.