Steelers’ JuJu Smith-Schuster learns to sign at school for deaf visit

Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster learned something at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Edgewood on Tuesday.

The students in one of the classrooms showed him how to sign the words “defense” and “special teams” and, of course, “offense”.

During his surprise visit to the school, he interacted with elementary, high school and high school students and their teachers. In one of the classrooms, they learned about teamwork and its importance.

Smith-Schuster told them that to win you need all 11 players on the pitch and those teammates need to work together.

He ended his tour with Terrible Towels waving at him and the students asking him questions such as “What’s his 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, responsible and make good decisions. “

He talked about attending workouts, team meetings, and movies, as well as taking care of your body by getting enough rest and eating the right foods. He spoke to his teammates about possible touchdown celebrations in the end zone.

In his free time, he enjoys walking his dog Boujee and playing video games.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster signs for a class during a visit to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Edgewood on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

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 a famous player. Many students are Steelers fans.

“And for me too, because I’m a kid, I have a heart,” said Farmer, who wore a gold tie for the occasion. “I couldn’t wait for him to get here.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster visits the kids at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Edgewood on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

A few years ago, Smith-Schuster met some of the students and staff during an autograph signing at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Cranberry. They invited him to school. He had planned to surrender last year but was delayed by the pandemic. The school has a strong sports program and athletics is an integral part of student life. The teams include football, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and track and field, Farmer said.

“I hope JuJu will see that deaf children are children like any other child,” Farmer said. “And that they will be just as thrilled to meet him as any other child would be.”

Smith-Schuster said his appearance is aimed at giving back and supporting the students who support him as well as the team on the pitch. He said the students were signing so fast that he had to work to keep up with what they said.

“When the stadiums are loud it can be hard to get along 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 couldn’t hear. I’m at sign language. This school is amazing. I’m ready to go. take evening classes to learn more sign language.