JuJu Smith-Schuster’s teammates warned him about the heat during Chiefs training camp. They also told him the fans would be there despite the warm temps and humidity.
And sure enough when the Chiefs held their first full-squad workout of training camp Wednesday in St. Joe, Mo., Smith-Schuster couldn’t help but take notice.
“They always told me be ready, camp is no joke and they were right,” Smith-Schuster said. “And to see the fans out here in the heat and the support, that’s so much love and I appreciate it.”
After playing five seasons for the Steelers, Smith-Schuster signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs in March. He’s hoping a change of scenery, Andy Reid’s offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes can all help revitalize his career after playing in just five games last season.
“I was hurt last year,” Smith-Schuster said. “I didn’t play a lot of ball and then coming to this team I’m going to let my play write the story. Me making plays on the field, doing what I’m told. And I came here to win. And this is a team that wins.”
The Chiefs have had great talent for years, but they’ve also had great chemistry, especially on offense. And Mahomes is building that with Smith-Schuster.
During the offseason, Smith-Schuster attended Mahomes-led workouts in Texas and the two have worked well together.
“You could see it out here,” Smith-Schuster said. “Pat’s making throws, and I’m making those catches and we’re building that chemistry going into the season.”
During Wednesday’s practice, he got behind first-round pick Trent McDuffie and made a diving catch on a ball thrown by Mahomes.
“There’s a trust there,” Reid said of Smith-Schuster and Mahomes. “This isn’t JuJu’s first rodeo. We like what we saw before. He’s been banged up a little bit. He had the pull in OTAs, but he’s back now. He’s healthy, and it was good work today, and we’ll just keep building off it.”
Smith-Schuster is also likely to see plenty of reps at both inside at outside receiver, something he’s looking forward to doing and showcasing his talents once again.
“You have so many guys playing different positions, which is so nice because we move guys around,” Smith-Schuster said. “And today was the first taste of what I have to show.”
CEH BACK IN ACTION
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire spent just one day on the physically unable to perform list and practiced Wednesday as the team’s starter.
CHIEFS, KELCE REWORK CONTRACT
The Chiefs and Travis Kelce agreed to a restructured contract that gives the tight end a pay raise this season. The team is moving $3 million from the back of Kelce’s deal up to this season. Kelce is still signed through 2025.
