Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Jaxon Smith-Njigba reflects on career injury struggles before Super Bowl win

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 12:10 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Jaxon Smith-Njigba reflects on career injury struggles before Super Bowl win

Summary

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently discussed the physical challenges that impacted his career before reaching the NFL. During a junior season at Ohio State, a persistent hamstring injury limited his availability and eventually kept him out of the College Football Playoff. Despite skepticism from some analysts during the 2023 draft process regarding his limited junior tape, the Seahawks selected him 20th overall. Since entering the league, Smith-Njigba has established himself as a prominent offensive threat. He earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2025 and led the NFL in receiving yards that same season. The receiver concludes his journey by celebrating a victory in Super Bowl LX.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Jaxon Smith-Njigba was limited to five catches and 43 yards during his final season at Ohio State.
•The Seattle Seahawks drafted Smith-Njigba 20th overall in 2023.
•Smith-Njigba earned First-team All-Pro honors and the Offensive Player of the Year award in 2025.
•The receiver secured a Super Bowl LX championship ring with the Seattle Seahawks.

Latest Updates

12:10 PMYahoo Sports — “Was Taken Away From Me”: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Reveals Hardest Moment in Football Career Before Super Bowl Win

What they're saying

"
Jaxon Smith-Njigba got real with Maria Taylor. Sitting down with the NBC Sports host, the newly crowned Super Bowl champion looked back on his journey from Ohio State, and the conversation soon turned personal as the wide receiver opened up about his brother, Canaan, and a difficult stretch of his career.
— Yahoo Sports

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