The Seattle Seahawks are riding a wave of impressive victories as they gear up for Sunday’s NFC championship game. With so much at stake, the team can’t afford mistakes, costly penalties, or suspensions that could derail their playoff run. That’s why wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s calm response to a recent incident caught everyone’s attention.
During last weekend’s game, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir head-butted Smith-Njigba. Instead of retaliating, the Seahawks star absorbed the hit and kept playing. His composure spoke volumes about his focus and maturity on the field.
Smith-Njigba addressed the moment this week on The Reset Podcast. “One, I got a helmet on,” he said. “Two, when you feel like you’re on another level, I’m not gonna let something not on my level distract me from what’s going on.” His response showed confidence and a strong sense of control. He refused to let a minor provocation take him off his game.
The two players have some history. Just a few weeks ago in Week 18, Lenoir publicly called out Smith-Njigba, who acknowledged the remark and responded on the field with a competitive performance. The rivalry added extra tension to Saturday’s divisional round matchup, but Smith-Njigba remained unshaken.
Lenoir later commented that the 49ers could have dominated if their team had been fully healthy. In reality, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and the Seattle defense consistently outplayed Kyle Shanahan’s offense in both January meetings, leaving the 49ers looking off-balance.
Smith-Njigba has had a season to remember. He was named Offensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. The standout receiver caught 119 passes, breaking his own Seahawks franchise record, and led the league with 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance has been a major factor in Seattle’s dominant playoff run.
As the NFC championship approaches, Smith-Njigba’s focus, skill, and ability to stay calm under pressure will be key for the Seahawks. He has shown he can handle both the physical and mental challenges of the game, making him one of the most dangerous receivers in the league.
