Steelers Now
Newly acquired Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith recently spoke on being traded to Pittsburgh and how money is just a reflection of who you are.
“Best organization in the whole league, ” Smith said on joining the Steelers in an interview with YouTuber Brayden Zaroff.
Smith also shared advice for young kids who have aspirations of playing in the NFL.
“Stay down to you come up. Enjoy the process (and) the journey more than you enjoy the actual goal,” Smith said.
Powerful: New Steelers TE Jonnu Smith speaks on being traded to Pittsburgh and how money is just a reflection of who you are.
What an awesome down-to-earth guy 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/OrhsqeD8Yi
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 16, 2025
Smith is heading into his ninth year in the NFL. He’s earned $51.8 million in his career. His deal with the Steelers is a two-year, $16 million deal that includes $7.745 million guaranteed (signing bonus).
Zaroff asked Smith about his Rolls-Royce and the concept of money.
“Money is just a reflection of who you are,” he said.
Smith, who grew up in North Philadelphia, comes from humble beginnings.
“No, not at all. I’m a trench baby,” Smith said when Zaroff asked him if he grew up rich.
Zaroff then asked Smith how did he set high expectations to get where he is today.
“You got to want it. Listen, there’s a lane for everything. Like what you’re doing right now. There’s a lane for it. You know what I’m saying?” Smith said. “Whatever you love to do, there’s a lane for it to be successful in it, man. Just always enjoy the process. Fall in love with the process rather than fall in love with the goal.”
Smith, 29, is coming off the best season of his eight-year NFL career. In 2024, he recorded a career-high 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. Smith was also named to his first Pro Bowl last season.
The Steelers agreed to give him a one-year, $12 million extension as part of the trade with Miami. Smith was scheduled to make just $4.8 million this season.
“I’m blessed. I’m a Steeler,” Smith said on Terron Armstead’s podcast earlier this month. “I’m playing for one of the most historic sports franchises in the history of sports. Under a great head coach with Mike [Tomlin]. Back with my guy Arthur Smith, who I’ve had a lot of success with in my career. And so I’m extremely blessed, bro. I couldn’t be more excited.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers TE Jonnu Smith Excited to Join ‘Best Organization in the Whole League’
