Jonnu Smith has officially taken the No. 81 jersey as he makes his debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers following his recent trade from the Miami Dolphins. This development came just a day after the Steelers revealed Jalen Ramsey’s new jersey number, highlighting a period of significant roster changes for the team.
Number Assignments Highlight New Team Arrivals
The Steelers announced that Jalen Ramsey will wear No. 5, a number previously worn by punter Cameron Johnston before Ramsey’s arrival. Shortly after, it was confirmed on the Steelers’ official X account that Jonnu Smith will don No. 81, a number last worn by former tight end MyCole Pruitt in the prior season. Notably, Smith and Pruitt have a shared background as teammates with the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans, making this number choice particularly meaningful.
A Return to a Well-Known Jersey for Smith
While Smith sported No. 9 during his last season with the Dolphins, he has a strong connection to No. 81, which he wore during his time with both the Falcons and the New England Patriots. Choosing this number with the Steelers represents a return to familiar ground for Smith, recalling earlier successful periods in his career.
Context on Jersey Numbers Within the Steelers Roster
Jalen Ramsey’s number change continues his pattern, having worn No. 20 earlier in his career before switching to No. 5 during his time with the Los Angeles Rams starting in 2021. Currently, on the Steelers’ defense, only Ramsey and linebacker Patrick Queen wear single-digit numbers — Queen sporting No. 6.
What Smith’s New Number Means for His Steelers Journey
The re-adoption of No. 81 as he begins with Pittsburgh signifies more than a simple jersey swap for Jonnu Smith; it marks a fresh start and the chance to make a strong, lasting impact. As the Steelers manage their evolving roster, Smith’s familiar number symbolizes a personal revival and growing optimism surrounding his role in the team’s future success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where did Jonnu Smith go?
A. On the last day of June, the Miami Dolphins made a big trade. They sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In return, they got safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Q. Why did the Falcons cut Jonnu Smith?
A. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report on the decision. By releasing Smith, the Falcons free up $6.5 million in their salary cap, as noted by OverTheCap.com. Smith joined Atlanta for just one season after being traded by the New England Patriots on March 15, 2023.