Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is 'An Absolute Stud' In 31-27 Win In The NFC Championship Game

On Sunday, Jaxon Smith-Njigba showcased exactly why he was named an All-Pro, Pro Bowler and is a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year.

Jan 26, 2026 at 12:32 AM

Ari Horton

Seahawks.com Writer

It was a one-handed catch on the sideline that demonstrated why exactly Jaxon Smith-Njigba was named a Pro Bowler, First-Team All-Pro and is a finalist for the Offensive Player of the Year.

"I didn't think I could catch it with two hands," he said. "So just whatever it takes for us to get the job done, I'm going to do. If I got to catch it with my toe, finger, it doesn't matter. Just reach out and catch the ball."

It was also his 153 yards on 10 receptions and one touchdown that backed up every award he was given this season.

"I'm not really surprised at this point anymore about some of the stuff that Jax does on the football field," quarterback Sam Darnold said. "He's a great player."

Head coach Mike Macdonald added, "I'm not surprised. And we need those efforts for us to be productive on offense and happy for Jax man. Guy's an absolute stud."

Throughout the season despite all the awards and acknowledgement that came with the season he had, Smith-Njigba was always, in a sense, very nonchalant about all the recognition because he had bigger goals in mind that involved more than just the individual accolades he was receiving.

But on Sunday night, he checked off another one of his goals, except this time, it meant more.

"This is better than any individual award or goal that I had in mind," he said on the win. "And this is the ultimate goal that we've had. Get to the Super Bowl, win the Super Bowl, and this feeling is something that I can't really explain. I'm just super proud of. Super proud of everyone involved."

Smith-Njigba led all receivers while Kenneth Walker III, Cooper Kupp, George Holani, AJ Barner, Rashid Shaheed and Jake Bobo contributed 193 yards and two touchdowns, collectively.

"Great game, great game," Smith-Njigba said. "Feel great. I want to give all glory to God. Win or lose draw wouldn't be here without him, without the sacrifices that everyone makes. Family, friends, teammates, coaches. So super honored to be a Seahawk and to give everything on that field for my brother."

Whenever he gets the chance, Smith-Njigba's first-round draft mate and also now close friend Devon Witherspoon loves talking about how great of a player Smith-Njigba is and on Sunday that was no different.

"Been trying to tell y'all for a long time," Witherspoon said, "Been trying to tell you for a long time. He just showed us he is who he is. You can't deny what God's got in store for you. The talent he's got, the efficiency he runs routes with, he can make all the tough catches. You just saw everything on full display today."

He added, "I was just happy because I've been trying to tell people for the longest, 'Y'all don't know what he got.' That man can play football. Like, he does everything efficient. It's hard to guard him. And I guard him every day, so I know it's definitely hard to guard him."