Mark Madden's Hot Take: JuJu's side hustle has been muted in Kansas City, and success followed

The Steelers are reportedly glad to be rid of JuJu Smith-Schuster because he’s “me-first.” They’re likely happy that Chase Claypool also left, citing similar reasons (and the second-round draft pick he fetched from Chicago, too).

But Smith-Schuster is a decent receiver, as evidenced by 78 regular-season catches for Kansas City. He might play in the Super Bowl.

That’s called flying high on borrowed wings.

When Smith-Schuster was a Steeler, perhaps that “me-first” problem could have been dealt with internally.

As a Steeler, Smith-Schuster was a constant on social media. He tweeted, TikTok-ed, took kids to the prom, climbed milk crates, danced on opposition logos, chronicled his night life and a Jugs gun fired footballs at him in a parking lot.

Smith-Schuster rode his side hustle hard even as he fumbled away playoff berths. He built his brand. It was overbearing.

But all that’s been muted in Kansas City.

Smith-Schuster’s last tweet was Jan. 10, the one before that Dec. 21. He’s TikTok-ed just four times since Dec. 12. (One was about “grooming your groin.” Memorable.)

Smith-Schuster used to be omnipresent on social media. Now he dabbles.

Maybe Smith-Schuster matured organically.

Or perhaps he now plays for an organization and coach who force him to put football first, stop serving as his own distraction, and cease most of that crap.

I know which way I’m betting.