Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is Living the Dream - and Just Getting Started
As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, one name is drawing more buzz than most: Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The former Ohio State standout has become one of the NFL’s most electric wide receivers, and now he’s set to take center stage on football’s biggest night.
Smith-Njigba, in just his third NFL season, has emerged as a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ offense. And if you watched him dominate this year, it’s no surprise he’s one of the most talked-about players heading into Sunday’s showdown at Levi’s Stadium. He’s not just a rising star - he’s already performing like one of the league’s elite.
From Rockwall to the Big Game
Smith-Njigba’s journey from Rockwall, Texas, to the Super Bowl is a story of talent, resilience, and relentless work ethic. He lit up college football in 2021, setting Ohio State’s single-season records for receptions (95) and receiving yards (1,606) as a sophomore.
A hamstring injury derailed his junior year, but NFL scouts didn’t forget what they saw. Seattle made him the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he’s been making them look smart ever since.
After a solid sophomore NFL campaign in 2024 - 100 catches, 1,130 yards, and six touchdowns - Smith-Njigba took things to another level this season. With 119 receptions for a league-leading 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, he’s been nearly impossible to cover. And he’s not done yet.
Heading into the Super Bowl, he’s just 35 yards away from joining an exclusive club: 2,000 receiving yards in a single season, including playoffs. Only Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua have done it before. Smith-Njigba is knocking on the door.
Locked In on the Ring
Despite the gaudy numbers and his status as a finalist for NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Smith-Njigba’s focus is firmly on one thing: winning.
“I’m really just focused on winning a ring,” he said during Super Bowl media week in San Jose. “Everything else falls behind that - but it would be pretty cool.”
That mindset has endeared him to teammates and coaches alike. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, known more for his defensive acumen, was asked how he’d go about stopping his own star receiver.
He didn’t hesitate: “Can I put three guys on him?” he joked.
Vegas certainly sees Smith-Njigba as a difference-maker. He’s listed at -110 to score a touchdown, +550 to find the end zone first, and +550 to win Super Bowl MVP - trailing only quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Drake Maye.
And speaking of Darnold, Smith-Njigba didn’t hesitate to credit his quarterback for helping him reach this point.
“I would not be in this position without him,” he said.
Wide Receiver U
Smith-Njigba is part of a new wave of elite Ohio State receivers taking over the NFL. Since 2022, the Buckeyes have had five wideouts selected in the first round: Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Smith-Njigba himself. And more are on the way, with Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith expected to follow suit in the next two drafts.
“It’s a long list and it’s about to grow even more,” Smith-Njigba said. “When you bring it all together and you look at the names and what we’ve done, I think there’s no question now - we’re Wide Receiver U.”
A Glimpse Behind the Helmet
Smith-Njigba’s confidence on the field comes from a foundation built off it - one rooted in family, faith, and a relentless desire to improve. He credits his father and brother for recognizing his potential early and sacrificing to help him chase his dream.
“My dad, sacrificing time at his job so I could travel and play ball - that means everything,” he said.
Faith plays a major role in his life, too. “I believe I’m here to serve others and to serve the Lord,” he shared. “That’s my calling.”
His approach to the game is as thoughtful as it is explosive. Asked how he’s developed into a complete receiver, Smith-Njigba pointed to his mindset.
“I’m not the biggest or the fastest,” he said. “So I asked myself: what do I have to do to be well-rounded?
I want to be able to take deep shots, work the short game, and dominate the intermediate routes. That’s always been my thought process.”
It’s working. And he knows there’s still more to come.
“I feel like my ceiling is still high,” he said. “I just want to go get it.”
A Star Among Stars
Smith-Njigba has quickly become the Seahawks’ go-to guy. He credits the coaching staff for trusting him with that responsibility and says he’s just trying to make the most of every opportunity.
“My mindset is to catch every ball that comes my way,” he said. “Make the most of every opportunity.”
He’s also leaned on veterans like Cooper Kupp, who he calls a future Hall of Famer and a key influence.
“Just to see him every day, ask questions, and have him be available - it’s been great. I’ve learned numerous things from him.”
Eyes on the Prize
Super Bowl week can be overwhelming, especially for a young star in his first trip to the big game. But Smith-Njigba seems unfazed.
“It’s been good. A little hectic,” he admitted.
“But eyes on the prize. Staying focused.
Ready to get to practice tomorrow and play some ball.”
That’s the mindset of a player who’s not just happy to be here - he’s ready to take over.
And if Sunday goes the way he hopes, Jaxon Smith-Njigba won’t just be a breakout star. He’ll be a Super Bowl champion.