Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) speaks to the media at the San Jose Convention Center.
Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a special patch on his jersey, which also reminds everyone of the havoc he wreaked downfield on Seattle Seahawks opponents in the 2025 NFL season.
The former Ohio State Buckeyes star wideout is rocking a gold NFL shield on his uniform, as seen during the Seahawks' game on Wednesday night against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field in Seattle.
JSN rocking the gold shield on his jersey for winning OPOY last season 🔥
📸: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/taMl0TMA7r
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 10, 2026
Smith-Njigba is not the only NFL player brandishing the special shield on his uniform this season, though. Apart from him, the others getting such honor are the winners of Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Still, the 24-year-old Smith-Njigba had an undeniably incredible Year 3 in the league. In 2025, he racked up a total of 1,793 receiving yards to go along with 10 touchdowns on 119 catches and 163 targets in 17 games. It was the second season in a row that he amassed at least 1,000 receiving yards, and he could have another one coming in 2026.
Smith-Njigba is clearly a big part of the Seahawks' attack, regardless of who's throwing the ball.
On that note, Seattle has turned to backup quarterback Drew Lock under center after Sam Darnold was forced to exit the New England game with an injury. Having Smith-Njigba downfield can make the job easier for Lock, but it is also a challenge for the team overall to adjust, as the Seahawks look to avoid losing a Week 1 game for the second season in a row.