Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin does not mess around when it comes to missing practice.
Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster addressed several topics during an appearance on the Michael Irvin Podcast. He also told the story of a time he showed up late to a training camp practice, which was met with a stern warning from Tomlin.
Smith-Schuster said Tomlin told him he would fine the wide receiver so much he would “make sure [Smith-Schuster's] kids never go to college.”
On Michael Irvin's podcast, JuJu Smith-Schuster told the story of what Mike Tomlin said to him when Smith-Schuster showed up late for one training camp practice.
"I'm gonna fine you so hard, I'm gonna make sure your kids don't go to college."
😂😂😂
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) April 8, 2021
Tomlin has established a reputation as a hard-nosed head coach from the time he took charge in Steel City. Needless to say, Smith-Schuster learned his lesson the hard way.
Smith-Schuster likely has quite a bit of fondness for Tomlin. It seems unlikely he would have re-signed with the Steelers was that not the case.
The 24-year-old receiver provided one of the early surprises of free agency when he elected to return to the Steelers on a one-year, $8 million contract. He reportedly had better offers from the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, but ultimately opted to stay in Pittsburgh.
JuJu to the #Steelers on a 1-year worth $8M, source said. He had better offers from the #Ravens and the #Chiefs. But stays in PIT. https://t.co/Kz9aaR1srN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2021
The Steelers undoubtedly hope Smith-Schuster can resemble the guy he was in 2018 when he made the Pro Bowl after notching 11 receptions for 1,426 yards.
Smith-Schuster has not had nearly as much success in the last two seasons. He dealt with some nagging injuries that caused him to miss four games in 2019 before averaging a mere 8.6 yards per reception this past year.
The former USC star cannot afford to miss reps heading into 2021. He and Ben Roethlisberger will likely be working throughout the offseason to reestablish past chemistry.
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