Jaxon Smith-Njigba had one of the most productive receiving seasons in NFL history while helping the Seahawks to a 14-3 record and an NFC West title, and as a result, he was named Offensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. Smith-Njigba is the third receiver to earn the PFWA's Offensive Player of the Year award since it was instituted in 1992, joining teammate Cooper Kupp who won it as a member of the Rams in 2021 and Justin Jefferson, who won it in 2022.
Smith-Njigba, who led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards, the eighth highest single-season total in NFL history, was also a unanimous first-team All-Pro selection and was named to his second straight Pro Bowl, and as this latest award indicates, he also has a good chance at the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year award, which will be announced at NFL Honors the week of Super Bowl LX.
"He's a great player," Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold said earlier this season. "… Jax does a really good job of understanding the plan every single week, just his mindset going into every single game. I feel like he's so clear on what we're doing as an offense and what his role is as a receiver. I can't speak highly enough about that guy, but it really starts with days like today with the way that he prepares."
On his way to franchise records for receiving yards (1,793) and receptions (119), Smith-Njigba also became the second player in team history, along with Hall of Famer Steve Largent, to lead the league in receiving. Making his historic season all the more impressive is the fact that he put up those numbers playing in a run-heavy offense. The Seahawks attempted only 481 passes this season, the fourth fewest in the NFL, while having the third most rush attempts (507), meaning Smith-Njigba accounted for 44.1 percent of Seattle's receiving yards, and 36.6 percent of the team's receptions.
For comparison, every receiver ahead of Smith-Njigba on the single-season list played in an offense that attempted at least 566 passes, 85 more than this year's Seahawks, and five of the seven receivers were on teams that threw more than 600 passes.
Smith-Njigba is the second player in franchise history to earn PFWA Offensive Player of the Year honors along with Shaun Alexander, who won that award, as well as the PFWA's MVP award, in 2005. Other Seahawks to win PFWA awards include 1992 Defensive Player of the Year Cortez Kennedy, and 2022 Most Improved Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year Geno Smith. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold also earned Most Improved Player of the Year honors, but as a member of the Vikings last year.
"The stats back it up," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said after Smith-Njigba was named first-team All-Pro. "The tape backs it up this year with Jax. He earned it. Really happy for him. I'm sure if you asked him right now, he'd say he's excited but we got work to do and we can celebrate it later."
Indeed, Smith-Njigba said he had other goals in mind after finishing the regular season as the league's leading receiver.
"That was my goal," he said after the Seahawks earned the No. 1 seed. "That was a goal that we talked about since our first meeting. So it's a blessing, it's an honor. One down, a couple more to get."
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving through the 2025 regular season. Check out the best photos of JSN's 2025 season.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Houston Texans in Week 7.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at L.A. Rams in Week 11.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at L.A. Rams in Week 11.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at L.A. Rams in Week 11.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at L.A. Rams in Week 11.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Tennessee Titans in Week 12.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the L.A. Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the L.A. Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the L.A. Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) vs. the L.A. Rams in Week 16.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
