"Oh, what's this free stuff?"
"It's from JuJu, man. Open it up."
That exchange between Ramon Foster and Matt Feiler occurred as they took their spots at their lockers following the Steelers' return to practice Monday afternoon at the Rooney Complex. Every player in the room had a box on his seat, and within that box was a gift from JuJu Smith-Schuster.
It didn't take long until other players cracked into the goodies (video via Smith-Schuster's Instagram story):
That was James Conner being recorded by Smith-Schuster, opening his package then sprinting around the room before leaping to bump No. 19 in celebration. Listening to the video, you can also hear "Thanks, JuJu!" from Zach Banner and other players before Smith-Schuster pans to rookies Isaiah Buggs and Justin Layne enjoying their own version of Christmas in October.
The gift? A HyperX gaming headset. HyperX became the first gaming brand to sponsor an NFL player in 2018, when they signed Smith-Schuster as a brand ambassador, giving the Steelers receiver another platform for his budding professional gaming career.
“When I’m not training, studying, or at practice, I’m in my element playing video games; my HyperX headset offers the sound quality and comfort I need to stay focused and win,” Smith-Schuster said in 2018. “I wanted to work with HyperX because they have the best headsets, and I love how the brand is always looking for unique ways to work together with me. I’m so excited about this partnership.”
HyperX re-signed Smith-Schuster to a two-year lifestyle and gaming brand ambassador deal in 2019 — and from the scene inside the locker room today, it seems his teammates are happy about the partnership.
"Shoutout to my dog Ju," Tevin Jones said on his Instagram story while showing off his new headset shortly after practice ended. Rookie Benny Snell also took to social media to show off the goods.
It's a small gesture for Smith-Schuster, but the Steelers clearly appreciated it. And at 2-4, the team can take any and every morale boost it can get.
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