Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has been relentless in his attempts to recruit basketball star and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James. However, Smith-Schuster is not recruiting James for a National Basketball Association (NBA) team, but rather for a National Football League (NFL) team — the Steelers, of course. Even though James has made it clear that he does not intend to switch sports, it seems that Smith-Schuster is unfazed.
Smith-Schuster officially launched his recruitment campaign earlier this month, saying that joining the NFL would make James the best athlete ever.
However, the Steelers receiver is not the only one trying to recruit James for their favorite team, with other athletes and fans pulling out all stops to get James's attention. What does set Smith-Schuster apart from others trying to recruit James is that he seems to be the only high-profile personality asking the basketball star to switch sports. Smith-Schuster started the hashtag "#LeBronToPittsburgh" on social media, but he did not stop there. The Steelers receiver got courtside tickets to the March 9 Cavaliers game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he wore a Steelers jersey with the number 23, James's jersey number, and the words "King James" on the back. He wrote on social media that he went to the game with the intent to personally recruit James for the Steelers.
When the Cavaliers ran out to the court past Smith-Schuster, he held his hand out for high-fives from the players. When James ran past, the basketball star high-fived Smith-Schuster, who was unable to contain his excitement.
James, although known for his prowess and skill as a basketball player, also played football in high school for his alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High in Ohio. He was a record-setting all-state receiver, although he made the fateful switch to basketball during his senior year.
However, despite his history with football and Smith-Schuster's recruitment campaign, it seems unlikely that James will ever play for the NFL. While James is appreciative of Smith-Schuster's attempts, he also tells ESPN.com that he is "a tank top and shorts guy."
