Why this season is extra special for Steelers' Jonnu Smith: A Brother's Bond and a Second Chance
In the world of professional football, where athletes strive for glory and personal achievements, the story of Jonnu Smith and his brother Wayne takes a unique and heartwarming turn. This season, Jonnu, a tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is not just playing for himself but also for his brother, who is serving time in a maximum-security prison. The bond between these two brothers is the heart of this narrative, blending sports with a powerful message of redemption and family.
The Setting: A Prison Cell and a TV Screen
Forty-five miles south of Pittsburgh, in the State Correctional Institute-Fayette, a man named Wayne Smith eagerly awaits the Pittsburgh Steelers' game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Unlike many inmates who watch games in their cells or day rooms, Wayne is not a lifelong Steelers fan. However, his lifelong bond with his brother, Jonnu, a Steelers tight end, brings him to this moment. Wayne has been in prison since 2015, serving a sentence for third-degree murder and other charges, and has watched Jonnu play only a handful of games, mostly prime-time national broadcasts.
A Year of Uninterrupted Watching
This year, however, is different. Wayne has been able to watch every single one of Jonnu's games, including the Thursday night game, for the first time since the games moved to Amazon in 2022. The prison's location in the Steelers' local broadcast market allows Wayne to access not only Sunday games but also the simulcast of the Thursday night game on local television. This newfound ability to watch his brother play has been a source of joy for Wayne, who has been imagining this moment since learning of Jonnu's trade to the Steelers.
A Family Reunion and a Commitment to Service
Adding to the emotional reunion, Jonnu brought a group of Steelers teammates to the prison to visit Wayne and meet with inmates. This visit was not just about family; it was a continuation of Jonnu's commitment to service and second chances. Jonnu, who has embodied and prioritized these values throughout his life, set a foundation for unprecedented outreach by the Steelers organization to the often underserved and stigmatized prison communities.
A Brother's Fight for a Second Chance
Jonnu's efforts to give his brother a second chance have been significant. He worked tirelessly to find and pay for better attorneys to file appeals, covering Wayne's expenses in prison. Thanks to the Conviction Integrity Unit, Wayne was granted a new trial and a reduced sentence, allowing him to be released in July 2026. Jonnu's dedication to his brother's rehabilitation and reentry into society is a testament to their strong bond.
A Bond Forged in Childhood
The bond between the brothers was forged in childhood. Wayne, the older brother, embraced guiding Jonnu as their mother, Karen, worked multiple jobs to provide for her family after the death of their father. Wayne's protective nature and Jonnu's innate desire to help others have been a source of strength for both.
Divergent Paths, Converging Again
Despite their divergent paths—Wayne in prison and Jonnu in the NFL—the brothers remained close, talking nearly every day. Jonnu's trade to the Steelers, placing him an hour's drive from Wayne, provided an opportunity for more frequent visits. Jonnu's initiative to visit the prison and hold an outreach event with inmates further solidified their bond and the Steelers' commitment to community engagement.
A Special Visit and a Lasting Impact
The visit from the Steelers players, including Jonnu, left a profound impact on the inmates, including Wayne. The players shared their stories and inspired the inmates with their messages of personal growth and accountability. The event was a powerful reminder that one's situation does not define their future.
Looking Ahead: A Brother's Release and a Brother's Future
As Wayne prepares for his release on July 18, 2026, Jonnu is committed to being by his brother's side. Jonnu's future in Pittsburgh is uncertain, but his dedication to the prison-reform space and his nonprofit, the Nu Family Foundation, will continue. The bond between these brothers is a testament to the power of family and the potential for redemption and growth.
