Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wins Offensive Player of the Year Award
The NFL Honors night showcased exceptional talent, highlighting Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the Offensive Player of the Year for his outstanding season with the Seattle Seahawks. This accolade is notable as it recognizes the best offensive skill player outside of the quarterback position, a category often overshadowed in recent MVP discussions.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Remarkable Season
Smith-Njigba, a wide receiver for the Seahawks, received the prestigious Offensive Player of the Year award. He earned 14 out of 50 first-place votes, accumulating a total of 272 points. This year’s voting demonstrated a competitive landscape, with several other skilled finalists.
Finalists for the Award
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers) – 223 points, 12 first-place votes
- Puka Nacua (Rams) – 170 points, 8 first-place votes
- Bijan Robinson (Falcons) – 168 points, 6 first-place votes
- Drake Maye (Patriots) – 58 points, 5 first-place votes
Additionally, some other notable players received first-place votes: Matthew Stafford (3), Josh Allen (1), and Trey McBride (1).
A Historic Performance
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s season was historic, as he led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards. This remarkable achievement ranks as the eighth-highest single-season total in NFL history. His exceptional performance earned him a unanimous first-team All-Pro selection.
Contribution to the Seahawks
Smith-Njigba played a crucial role in the Seahawks’ successful 14-3 campaign. His contributions included:
- Leading the league in receiving yards
- Accounting for 44.1% of Seattle’s total receiving yards
- Making 119 receptions
- Scoring 10 touchdowns
He became only the second player in Seahawks history to lead the NFL in receiving, joining the legendary Hall of Famer Steve Largent.
Smith-Njigba’s stellar performance not only secured him the Offensive Player of the Year title but also solidified his place in NFL history. As he continues to excel, fans and analysts alike look forward to his future achievements on the field.