As the Packers prepare to travel to Seattle for this weekend's Sunday Night football against the Seahawks, let’s take a moment to profile one of the Seahawks players who is likely to feature prominently in the game - Jaxon Smith-Njigba. After a relatively quiet rookie season that saw him post a modest 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games, his second season has been anything but modest as he has found his level and delivered in a big way.
West African roots
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's heritage is a blend of cultures, with roots traced back to Sierra Leone through his grandparents. This connection to West Africa adds a unique layer to his identity as an NFL player and he often wears the Sierra Leone flag on the back of his helmet. His father, Kelechi Njigba, also brings Nigerian heritage to the family, while his mother, Lakita Smith, is American. This multicultural background has played a role in shaping Jaxon’s character and outlook.
College career and record-breaking performances
Coming from a family of athletes it was no surprise that Jaxon shone at Ohio State, setting the school record for most receptions in a single game twice, with 15 catches each. In 2021, he also achieved the highest receiving yards in a single season at Ohio State, amassing 1,606 yards. These stellar performances helped him earn the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
Current season with the Seattle Seahawks
Now in his second NFL season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has played 13 games, starting 12 of them. He has recorded 75 receptions for 911 receiving yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his reliability as a wide receiver for the Seahawks. His role in Seattle's offense continues to grow as he adapts to the professional level.
Athletic family roots
Sports excellence runs deep in Jaxon’s family. His older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, played Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates while their father, Kelechi was a former linebacker, who laid the foundation for their athletic success by instilling discipline and fostering rigorous training routines during their childhood in Rockwall, Texas.
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