JuJu Smith-Schuster’s NFL career has seen its fair share of health challenges. Over his six seasons in the league, he has faced injury-related setbacks that have limited his playing time.
Notably, he managed to play only 16 games in three out of those six seasons, with his most recent one where Smith-Schuster grappled with a knee injury that he sustained during the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Fans were sent into a frenzy following Albert Breer’s comments regarding JuJu Smith-Schuster’s knee, suggesting that it could potentially “explode anytime.” The remarks ignited concerns about Smith-Schuster’s health. However, Smith-Schuster swiftly addressed these concerns by refuting the claims made by Breer. He asserted that his knee, as well as his overall health, was firmly on the path to recovery.
What Happened to JuJu Smith Schuster?
Upon joining the New England Patriots, Smith-Schuster secured a significant contract, fulfilling a career-long aspiration. However, his time with the Patriots has been marked by complications, particularly concerning his persistent knee issue—a problem that had already plagued him during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For the unversed, the knee injury occurred during the AFC championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals in the previous season. This injury forced him to exit the game during the third quarter.
However, Smith-Schuster worked diligently with trainers to regain his health, enabling him to participate in the Super Bowl, where he contributed significantly with seven catches for 53 yards.
Following the Super Bowl, he underwent knee surgery to address the issue. But during the offseason, he experienced swelling in his knee during a flight to Japan, necessitating time for recovery that led to his absence from the Patriots’ spring camps. Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated, not missing a single day of training camp.
As his knee injury has been a matter of concern for him and his fans, many of his followers are worried now, thinking it will have an implication in his future games.
Is Smith Schuster’s Knee Alright?
What appeared to be progressing positively was momentarily overshadowed by Albert Breer’s comments regarding JuJu Smith-Schuster’s knee.
“The underrated story here: JuJu Smith Schuster’s knee is a mess, and that thing could explode at any point,” Albert Breer said on NBC Sports Boston. “So, you almost have to keep an extra receiver because of that.”
Brewer’s remarks reignited concerns about Smith-Schuster’s injury. However, Smith-Schuster swiftly responded to Breer’s claim, dismissing it as an attempt to create a story.
He stated, “I don’t think my knee is a ticking time bomb,” and went on to assert that, if anything, his knee was becoming stronger with each passing day.
Smith-Schuster’s assertive response aimed to quell any apprehensions about the state of his knee, emphasizing his belief in the ongoing improvement of his injury rather than any looming issues.
How Much Did JuJu Get Signed for the Patriots?
JuJu Smith-Schuster played a pivotal role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ victorious Super Bowl season in 2022. However, he made a significant career move during the offseason by signing a three-year contract worth $33 million to join the New England Patriots.
In an intriguing turn of events, Smith-Schuster’s discovery of a $1 million bonus also added to the excitement as this bonus was earned because he had participated in over 50 percent of the offensive snaps during Super Bowl LVII and, most importantly, the Chiefs emerged as the champions in that game.
The accomplished NFL player is estimated to possess a net worth in the vicinity of $14 million.
Do you think Schuster’s knee injury has been blown out of proportion? Do you think his injury will likely have any effect on his game? Or do you think it is a matter of concern for his fans? Let us know below!
Source: NBC Sports
