Jaxon Smith-Njigba on typos on trophy: 'It’s getting disrespectful'

Field Level Media|published: Tue 19th May, 11:03 2026

Feb 11, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) looks on during the Super Bowl LX parade. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Seattle Seahawks star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba didn't take too kindly to receiving last season's Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

Well, he appreciated the honor. He just wasn't too enamored with the trophy itself.

For starters, the trophy had the words "Defensive Player of TheYear" on it.

"I really want to expose them. It's getting disrespectful, guys," Smith-Njigba said in a video posted on Instagram.

Smith-Njigba noted the word "Defensive," saying, "Defense? Come on, bro."

He then pointed to "TheYear" and said, "One word? Man."

"Just keep the award at this point," Smith-Njigba wrote in a caption. "Leave it in the history books, tho (sic)."

Smith-Njigba, 24, signed a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension this offseason that includes more than $120 million guaranteed.

The $42.15 million annual salary makes him the highest paid wide receiver in NFL history, surpassing Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase, who averages $40.25 million per season on his four-year, $161 million deal.

Smith-Njigba set franchise records with 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards last season. He also caught 10 scoring passes.

He had 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs last season, including four receptions for 27 yards as the Seahawks beat the New England Patriots, 29-13, in Super Bowl LX.

Smith-Njigba has 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdown catches in 51 NFL games (36 starts). The 20th overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

--Field Level Media

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