The Seattle Seahawks are heading back to the Super Bowl, and with just over a week to go before they face off against the New England Patriots, the team has named its captains for the big game. Leading the charge: wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on offense, cornerback Devon Witherspoon on defense, and fullback Brady Russell for special teams.
If those names sound familiar, it's because they wore the captain's patch in Seattle’s Divisional Round dismantling of the 49ers-and yes, that game was played in San Francisco, the same stadium that will host this year’s Super Bowl. Whether it’s superstition or just sticking with what’s working, the Seahawks are rolling with the same trio.
Let’s break down why these choices make all the sense in the world.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Offensive Sparkplug
Smith-Njigba has been nothing short of electric this season. He didn’t just emerge-he erupted.
With a league-leading 1,793 receiving yards, he threatened single-season records and established himself as one of the most feared offensive weapons in football. His route running, spatial awareness, and after-the-catch explosiveness have made him a nightmare for opposing secondaries.
This will be JSN’s fifth time serving as a captain this season, and his presence at the Super Bowl as an offensive leader feels like a natural culmination of a breakout campaign. Drafted 20th overall in 2023 as the first wide receiver off the board, he’s quickly become the centerpiece of Seattle’s aerial attack. Now, he gets the chance to shine on the sport’s biggest stage.
Devon Witherspoon: Defensive Anchor
Devon Witherspoon continues to prove he was worth every bit of the No. 5 overall pick Seattle used to get him-still the highest selection of the Pete Carroll era, thanks to the Russell Wilson trade haul. Witherspoon has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons, becoming the first Seahawk to do so since Wilson himself.
Whether you buy into Pro Football Focus or not, it’s hard to argue with results: Witherspoon earned the top cornerback grade in the league this season (89.9), and his ability to lock down receivers, support in run defense, and bring physicality to the perimeter has made him the heart of this Seahawks defense. This will be his third time wearing the captain's “C” this season, and he’ll be tasked with leading a unit that’s going to have its hands full with a Patriots offense that loves to scheme matchups.
Brady Russell: Special Teams Standout
Don’t overlook the impact of Brady Russell. While his name might not light up the box score, his contributions on special teams have been crucial to Seattle’s success. He’s logged eight tackles and a fumble recovery this season, and he’s been a reliable, versatile presence-lining up at fullback and even seeing some snaps at tight end.
Against the 49ers, Russell made his presence felt from the very first play. On the opening kickoff, he took out two defenders with a block that sprung Rashid Shaheed for a touchdown return.
Later, he added a tackle in coverage, continuing to show why he’s been trusted with captain duties five times this year. His grit and consistency make him the kind of player every coach wants on the roster-and every teammate wants in the huddle.
A Draft Class That Changed Everything
It’s hard not to look back at the 2023 NFL Draft and see it as a turning point for the Seahawks. That was the year after they traded away Russell Wilson, and with the picks acquired from Denver, they landed both Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon-two cornerstone players who now lead the team into a Super Bowl.
These aren’t just talented players. They’re tone-setters.
Leaders. Game-changers.
And now, they’re captains on football’s biggest stage.
As Seattle prepares to chase its second Lombardi Trophy, it’s clear the team’s identity is in good hands. The future is here-and it’s wearing the captain’s patch.