Overview
- Gonzalez enters the game on a postseason surge that includes a late AFC title game interception that helped secure New England’s berth.
- Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards on 119 catches and added 172 yards in two playoff games, including a big NFC Championship performance.
- Gonzalez praised Smith-Njigba as an elite, smooth route runner used across formations, reflecting mutual respect ahead of their likely shadow matchup.
- Data cited by analysts shows Seattle targets wide receivers far more versus man coverage than zone, making Mike Vrabel’s calls a key variable.
- Reuters reports Gonzalez will be the first player of Colombian heritage to play in a Super Bowl, adding cultural significance to his role.