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Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wins Super Bowl, Elevates Heritage After NFL Honors Mispronunciation

He framed his name as a tribute to his Sierra Leonean grandfather.

Overview

  • Seattle won Super Bowl LX, and Smith-Njigba returned in the fourth quarter after a third‑quarter concussion evaluation to finish with four catches for 27 yards.
  • Postgame, he told reporters to put respect on his full name and detailed his Sierra Leone roots, crediting his late grandfather for the family name he reclaimed.
  • He wore a Sierra Leone flag decal on his helmet this season as a continuing tribute to his paternal grandparents.
  • The receiver’s breakout year produced 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning a unanimous first‑team All‑Pro nod and the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.
  • Elevated to Seattle’s No. 1 option after offseason changes, he helped power a 14‑3 regular season with Sam Darnold at quarterback and the NFC’s top seed.