Super Bowl LX champion Jaxon Smith-Njigba capped his 2025 Offensive Player of the Year campaign by highlighting the “Naija” work ethic instilled by his father, choosing to celebrate the team’s victory over his own league-leading statistics.
Following the Seattle Seahawks’ 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX yesterday, February 8, 2026, star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba shared several emotional reflections on his journey and heritage.
Although Smith-Njigba had a relatively quiet night statistically due to elite coverage—finishing with 4 receptions for 27 yards—he celebrated his first championship ring and his historic season as the NFL’s leading receiver (1,793 yards).
During the post-game celebrations and throughout the Super Bowl week, the 23-year-old standout (whose father, Maada, is of Nigerian descent) spoke about his roots and the foundation of his success:
- On his heritage and work ethic:“It’s our blood. My dad made sure we knew where we came from and our background… We know things aren’t going to be given to us. We know we have to work for it.”
- On the championship moment:“This is better than any individual award or goal that I had in mind. This is the ultimate goal that we’ve had: Get to the Super Bowl, win the Super Bowl. This feeling is something that I can’t really explain. I’m just super proud of everyone involved.”
- On his identity:“I’m a follower of Christ, I’m a son, I’m a brother, and then I’m a football player. So that’s what I lead with.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was UNREAL this season:
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) February 9, 2026
🟢 1,992 yards
🟢 12 TDs
🟢 Receiving Title
🟢 Pro Bowl
🟢 Offensive Player of the Year
🟢 1st Team All-Pro
🟢 Super Bowl Champion
One of the best WR seasons of ALL TIME 🐐 pic.twitter.com/99zMkb4Ix4
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