Seahawks WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba Named 2025 AP Offensive Player of Year Ahead of Super Bowl LX Showdown

SAN JOSE, CA – Jaxon Smith-Njigba has had a breakout year as he continues to emerge as one of the league’s best players in his third season with the Seattle Seahawks while earning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. He is also on the verge of joining an elite club of 2,000-yard receivers in a single season.

That exclusive list consists of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. And that’s it.

As the third-year wide receiver prepares for the biggest game of his life, he needs just 35 yards to reach that rare individual milestone.

Smith-Njigba had 119 receptions for league-best 1,793 yards in the regular season and was a key contributor to the Seahawks NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams as he had 153 yards receiving on 10 receptions including a pivotal 14-yard touchdown catch just before halftime.

“It hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” Smith-Njigba said at Super Bowl LX Media Opening Night in response to the type of season he’s had. “I’ve been watching too much film and have always been focused on the next game.”

At the same time, he recognizes the accomplishments this team has had this season and the magnitude of their success.

“I don't take it for granted," he said. "A lot of great players, great Hall of Fame players, don't get to be able to be up on this stage, so for me to be able to do it at 23 is a blessing.”

“I’ve envisioned this for a very long time it’s just awesome to be living out the dream.”

Smith-Njigba credits his approach and preparation to this season’s success and the addition of Kupp in the offseason has stimulated that mindset.

“We preach process over results,” Smith-Njigba said on his relationship with Kupp. “That’s something he came to this building with and it kind of went on like a light bulb in my brain. It’s about what we did today and what we’re going to do tomorrow to get ready for the game.”

After being drafted 20th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith-Njigba worked his way up the depth chart each season. The departures of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett helped him ascend to the primary target on the offense and he has taken full advantage of his new role.

“Opportunities and a lot of hard work,” Smith-Njigba explained. “Reps, reps, reps and a lot of hard work.”

One of the most impressive parts of the season is how Smith-Njigba and Sam Darnold were quickly able to build rapport and chemistry with each other in their first season together.

“I thought we had a great connection after the first couple of practices,” said Smith-Njigba. “I think his approach to the game and his preparation pushes everyone around him to elevate their game. That’s something you want from your quarterback.”

And Darnold, an eight-year veteran quarterback now on his fifth NFL team, had glowing sentiments on his teammate Smith-Njigba.

“I think it (goes back) to all the hard work that we’ve put in since OTAs and training camp,” he said on Monday night’s Super Bowl LX Opening Media Night. “Just the way he is and the dialogue that we’ve shared together. You know he’s a special player with a special talent. We’ve spent a lot of time together and I think that time is paying off and continuing to pay dividends.”

While Sunday will be Smith-Njigba’s biggest game as a professional, he displayed dominance in Ohio State’s 48-45 Rose Bowl win over Utah four years ago in Pasadena. In that game he had 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns.

“Every time I fly into California, I get that special feeling remembering flying in for the first time and playing in the Rose Bowl,” Smith-Njigba suggested. “So, California always has a special place in my heart.”

Although it is unlikely that type performance will be replicated on Sunday, Smith-Njigba will be a key cog the offense will rely on. If he is able to take over the game the Seahawks will raise the Lombardi Trophy and avenge their heartbreaking defeat to the New England Patriots just over a decade ago.