After Joining the Steelers, Jonnu Smith Admits He Aspired to End His Career with Miami

Jonnu Smith was drafted hundredth overall in the 2017 by the Tennessee Titans and played for the Patriots, Falcons, and Dolphins.

After Joining the Steelers, Jonnu Smith Admits He Aspired to End His Career with Miami

Jonnu Smith (Image via Athlon Sports)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Jonnu Smith, former Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins tight end, joined conference rival Pittsburgh Steelers after a year of playing in Magic City. The 29-year-old had a career-defining season in 2024 with Miami, setting personal and franchise records alike.

With 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, Smith led the tight end corps. He also made a compelling case for being one of the league’s most reliable targets at the position.

Although, the Miami Dolphins didn’t fare as well as they hoped, Smith showcased excellent chemistry with the Dolphins’ offense. He also enjoyed a relatively comfortable off-the-field life in Miami, which suggested a long stay with the team. However, the trajectory took a sharp turn after the contract talks met with a dead end.

The dead end came to a stop when the Dolphins traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ahead of the new chapter in his life, Smith opened up about the unexpected shift in his plans:

I didn’t foresee this happening with how the season went for me individually. I had aspirations of ending my career in Miami, with it being home for me, my children, my family. But I understand the business side of it, and it didn’t work out. I’m grateful. I’ve got no ill feelings toward Miami and nobody in the organization.

In Pittsburgh, Jonnu Smith Sees a place where he’s valued

Jonnu Smith landed in Pittsburgh with familiar faces on the coaching staff, notably reuniting with Arthur Smith, his former offensive coordinator in Tennessee and head coach in Atlanta. That history should add a layer of comfort to what could have otherwise been an uncertain transition.

In an appearance on former teammate Terron Armstead’s podcast, Smith opened up about the sudden shift in his professional plans and how the outcome took him by surprise.

Smith also opened up on his future, focused on forward momentum, now that he’s wearing black and gold. He said that he would embrace the opportunity to be in a place where his talents are recognized and rewarded, despite the change in scenery:

I’m in a situation where I’m appreciated. You always want to be where you’re most valued and appreciated, and that’s the situation that I found myself in with Pittsburgh.

AFC North is the division to look forward in 2025

The Steelers alongside Jonnu Smith also received Jalen Ramsey, making them more dangerous in the AFC North. They had previously welcomed Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf and 4-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. However, not all are convinced about the Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers (2)
Aaron Rodgers (Image via IMAGO)

The division was won by Baltimore Ravens who reinforced their squad with CB Jaire Alexander and receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Derrick Henry has proven that he is a real foe, finishing with second most rushing yards behind Saquon Barkley. It is no wonder that they are touted the favorites to win the division in the coming season either.

The Cincinnati Bengals was one of the most unfortunate teams in the league after they missed out on the playoffs in the last match week. However, the offensive trifecta has remained the same from the last season. The likes of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins has teams on the lookout. The Browns, who were troubled by their weak quarterback room has heavily armoured their QB room, bringing in Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco through trade. Furthermore, they drafted two quarterbacks including the highly ranked Shedeur Sanders.

The AFC North has everyone looking in like the NFC counterpart from the past season. There are four teams who are power hungry to win, two of them having never been a champion before.

Also Read: Saints Star Set to Host Football’s First Ever LGBTQ+ Camp