Steelers' JuJu Smith-Schuster learns to sign during school for deaf visit
Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster learned something at The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Edgewood on Tuesday.
Students in one of the classrooms showed him how to sign the words “defense,” “special teams” and, of course, “offense.”
During his surprise visit to the school, he interacted with elementary, middle and high schoolers and their teachers. In one of the classrooms they were learning about teamwork and its importance.
Smith-Schuster told them in order to win, it takes all 11 players on the field and those teammates need to work together.
He ended his visit with Terrible Towels waving and students asking him questions such as, “What is your routine on practice days and game days?” as well as “What does it take to be a professional?”
“It’s important to do well in school and listen to your teachers,” he told them. “You have to be disciplined and responsible and make good decisions.”
He talked about attending practices, team meetings and film sessions as well as taking care of his body by getting enough rest and eating the right foods. He discussed talking with teammates about possible touchdown celebrations in the end zone.
During his time off, he said, he likes to walk his dog, Boujee, and play video games.
Steven Farmer, CEO of the school, said through an interpreter that Smith-Schuster’s visit was a fantastic opportunity for the students to meet and visit with a famous player. Many students are Steelers fans.
“And for me, too, because I am a kid at heart,” said Farmer, who wore a gold tie for the occasion. “I couldn’t wait for him to get here.”
A couple years ago, Smith-Schuster met some of the students and staff at an autograph signing at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Cranberry. They invited him to the school. He planned to visit last year but was delayed by the pandemic. The school has a robust sports program, and athletics are a big part of student life. Teams include soccer, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and track, Farmer said.
“I hope JuJu will see that deaf children are children just like any other child,” Farmer said. “And that they will be just as excited to meet him as any other child would be.”
Smith-Schuster said his appearance is about giving back and supporting the students who support him and the team on the field. He said the students sign so fast he had to work to keep up with what they were saying.
“When stadiums are loud, it can be hard to hear each other and using sign language would be really cool,” Smith-Schuster said. “And learning it from the little ones is really cool. At the Buffalo Bills (stadium), it was so loud we could not hear. I am down with learning sign language. This school is amazing. I am willing to take some night classes to learn more sign language.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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