COMMENTARY: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Puts the Patriots on Notice for Super Bowl LX

COURTESY OF: Rod Mar/ Seattle Seahawks

Reporter: Rei Tedoco

SANTA CLARA, Calif.- The New England Patriots will face a serious threat against the Seattle Seahawks, if they can’t stop Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s receiving and passing game.

Smith-Njigba went from an Ohio State Buckeye, to the 20th draft-pick in 2023 and now sits in the spotlight for the Super Bowl 60. In his third professional season alone, he set the record for the Seahawks single-season receiving yards record. He outshined DK Metcalf’s previous record for the franchise in 11 games and led the league this season at 1,793 yards. 

Even Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel is aware of Smith-Njigba’s skills. When referring to the stand-out receiver he said, “Sudden, savvy, competitive, really good play strength for his stature. You wouldn’t think…He’s got really good play strength, he’s really good at contested catches.”

The awareness from Patriot’s head coach Vrabel is the warning sign the Patriots need to take. With Smith-Njigba’s seasonal standout performances, the Patriots defense will have to strategize. 

A young player in the league like Smith-Njigba is a prime example of what these newer players can bring to the table. He is no stranger to what a championship title could look like. He played in the 2020 National Championship and won the Rose Bowl in 2022. Seahawks’ head coach Mike MacDonald is lucky to have a player like him on his team with such repertoire. 

He said,“ This week is different but my routine, especially before the game will stay the same, and everybody's been doing a good job keeping it..kind of consistent.”

A consistent contender, Smith-Njigba knows how to propel leadership in crunch time. At the NFC championship he had 153 receiving-yards and a touchdown in the game. He’s an asset that the Seahawks must utilize on Sunday.

Smith-Njigba accredits his father and brother for where he is now with the sacrifices continuously made early on. Tuesday night, he said, “My dad (was) sacrificing his time at his job. So I’m able to travel and play some ball and visit schools. So a lot of sacrifice that my family has made.” 

Smith-Njigba is turning the tables for the Seahawks and will put his own sacrifice on the line for his team. As his team looks to claim a Super Bowl 60 victory, they’ll need their young star in good shape.

He’s a jack of all trades with touchdowns, receiving yards and route running on the field. His versatility will be tested on Sunday. 

“How I envision myself is being an all-around player,” Smith-Njigba said. “Just getting the job done. So, you know, that's my motivation, and that's what I want to be.”

Proudly wearing #11, Smith-Njigba is ready to get the job done for his team and bring Seattle to Santa Clara. Sunday night, he’ll be a role model for what the NFL can expect from the younger players in the league.