Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba wore oversized cleats during his record-setting career at Ohio State. This revelation came from a recent interview with the team's general manager and equipment director.
Key points
Jaxon Smith-Njigba wore oversized cleats at Ohio State.
He set records for receiving yards and receptions in a game.
The revelation was discussed on Seattle Sports 710 AM.
John Schneider and Erik Kennedy were the speakers.
Mentioned in this story
Ohio State
Jaxon Smith-NjigbaSeattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Ohio State cleats were too big
Recently it was revealed that he accomplished those feats wearing shoes that were too big.
On April 16, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider and the team's director of equipment, Erik Kennedy, appeared on "The John Schneider Show" on Seattle Sports 710 AM radio.
"You're always trying to find different edges that can help players," Kennedy said. " ... Jaxon Smith-Njigba, you were talking about, in college, he was wearing a size 12, had hamstring issues and things like that. Gets here, he's a 10 and a half."
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba listens to a question during the football signing day press conference on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Q&A
Why were Jaxon Smith-Njigba's cleats too big?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's cleats were too big, but specific reasons for this choice have not been detailed.
What records did Jaxon Smith-Njigba set at Ohio State?
He holds Ohio State records for the most receiving yards and receptions in a single game.
Who discussed Jaxon Smith-Njigba's cleats on the radio?
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider and equipment director Erik Kennedy discussed the issue on 'The John Schneider Show.'
What team does Jaxon Smith-Njigba play for now?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba answers a question during the football signing day press conference on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) tries to break free of Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) during the first quarter of a NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) can’t make the completion under pressure from Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Avery Young (2) during the third quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) tries to get away from Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jaylin Williams (23) after a catch during the second quarter in their NCAA Division I football game on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs the ball as Michigan State Spartans safety Dominique Long (9) tackles during the fourth quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) catches a ball in the end-zone in front of Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) but bobbled the ball on his way out of bounds during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) catches a pass during Ohio State's first football practice of fall camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) catches a pass behind safety Lathan Ransom (12) during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) talk during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) comes up with the catch against Oregon Ducks safety Verone McKinley III (23) during the third quarter in their NCAA Division I game on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) congratulate Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (12) after a long run during the third quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Akron Zips on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) fights for yards as Maryland Terrapins linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (11) and Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jordan Mosley (18) tackle during the second quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the first quarter of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) celebrates a 21-yard touchdown with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the first quarter of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) dashes past Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Marquel Dismuke (9) during Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) points to Ohio State fans in the stands as he runs off the field following Saturday's NCAA Division I football game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021. Ohio State won the game 26-17.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) breaks a tackle attemped by Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Myles Farmer (4) during Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against Michigan State Spartans in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) comes up with the catch against Michigan State Spartans during the third quarter of their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) hands a glove to a fan following the Buckeyes' 56-7 victory against the Michigan State Spartans in a NCAA Division I football game at Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the second quarter of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) makes a catch against Michigan Wolverines during the second quarter of their NCAA College football at Michigan Stadium at Ann Arbor, Mi on November 27, 2021.
Ohio State Buckeyes receivers Julian Fleming (4) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba watch during practice.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has five catches for 43 yards this season in limited playing time against the Notre Dame, Toledo and Iowa.
Ohio State Jaxon Smith-Njigba watches from the sidelines.
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba set an FBS bowl record with 347 receiving yards in the Rose Bowl as part of a 48-45 win over Utah.
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns in the Buckeyes' 48-45 win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl.
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba reaches into the end after beating Utah cornerback Micah Bernard.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba celebrate following their win over Utah in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.
Fans celebrate as Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leaves the field following the Buckeyes’ 48-45 victory over Utah in the 108th Rose Bowl.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) heads up field after a catch against Michigan State Spartans safety Angelo Grose (15) in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led Ohio State with 1,606 yards last year, returns for the Buckeyes in 2022.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) tries to get past Michigan State Spartans cornerback Marqui Lowery (29) after a catch in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) will team with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) to promote Designer Shoe Warehouse.
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is looking to build on a season in which he recorded 95 catches for a school and conference-record 1,606 yards.
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught a school-record 15 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown against Nebraska.
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) will get a long look from coaches as the team's primary slot receiver after Garrett Wilson was moved to a role as an outside receiver.
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (14) celebrates with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba after scoring a rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Buckeyes' win at Michigan State.
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba runs the 40 during pro day. His official time was 4.48 seconds.
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on stage after being selected by the Seattle Seahawks twentieth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba talks to Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline prior to the NCAA football game against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle on Sept. 27, 2025.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs for yards after the catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) throws the stiff arm to Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. (23) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) is interviewed after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) speaks to the media at the San Jose Convention Center.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba listens to a question during the football signing day press conference on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba listens to a question during the football signing day press conference on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba answers a question during the football signing day press conference on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) tries to break free of Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) during the first quarter of a NCAA football game at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) can’t make the completion under pressure from Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Avery Young (2) during the third quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) tries to get away from Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Jaylin Williams (23) after a catch during the second quarter in their NCAA Division I football game on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs the ball as Michigan State Spartans safety Dominique Long (9) tackles during the fourth quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) catches a ball in the end-zone in front of Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) but bobbled the ball on his way out of bounds during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) catches a pass during Ohio State's first football practice of fall camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) catches a pass behind safety Lathan Ransom (12) during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) talk during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) comes up with the catch against Oregon Ducks safety Verone McKinley III (23) during the third quarter in their NCAA Division I game on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) and Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) congratulate Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (12) after a long run during the third quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Akron Zips on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) fights for yards as Maryland Terrapins linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (11) and Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jordan Mosley (18) tackle during the second quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the first quarter of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) celebrates a 21-yard touchdown with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the first quarter of the NCAA football game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) dashes past Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Marquel Dismuke (9) during Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) points to Ohio State fans in the stands as he runs off the field following Saturday's NCAA Division I football game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021. Ohio State won the game 26-17.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) breaks a tackle attemped by Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Myles Farmer (4) during Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against Michigan State Spartans in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) comes up with the catch against Michigan State Spartans during the third quarter of their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) hands a glove to a fan following the Buckeyes' 56-7 victory against the Michigan State Spartans in a NCAA Division I football game at Ohio Stadium.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the second quarter of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) makes a catch against Michigan Wolverines during the second quarter of their NCAA College football at Michigan Stadium at Ann Arbor, Mi on November 27, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes receivers Julian Fleming (4) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba watch during practice.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has five catches for 43 yards this season in limited playing time against the Notre Dame, Toledo and Iowa.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Jaxon Smith-Njigba watches from the sidelines.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba set an FBS bowl record with 347 receiving yards in the Rose Bowl as part of a 48-45 win over Utah.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns in the Buckeyes' 48-45 win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba reaches into the end after beating Utah cornerback Micah Bernard.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba celebrate following their win over Utah in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Fans celebrate as Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leaves the field following the Buckeyes’ 48-45 victory over Utah in the 108th Rose Bowl.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) heads up field after a catch against Michigan State Spartans safety Angelo Grose (15) in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led Ohio State with 1,606 yards last year, returns for the Buckeyes in 2022.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) tries to get past Michigan State Spartans cornerback Marqui Lowery (29) after a catch in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) will team with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) to promote Designer Shoe Warehouse.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is looking to build on a season in which he recorded 95 catches for a school and conference-record 1,606 yards.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught a school-record 15 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown against Nebraska.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) will get a long look from coaches as the team's primary slot receiver after Garrett Wilson was moved to a role as an outside receiver.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (14) celebrates with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba after scoring a rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Buckeyes' win at Michigan State.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba runs the 40 during pro day. His official time was 4.48 seconds.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on stage after being selected by the Seattle Seahawks twentieth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba talks to Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline prior to the NCAA football game against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle on Sept. 27, 2025.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs for yards after the catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) throws the stiff arm to Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. (23) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) is interviewed after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba's career from Ohio State to the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) speaks to the media at the San Jose Convention Center.
In 2022, Smith-Njigba left Ohio State's Week 1 win over Notre Dame with what was later revealed to be a hamstring injury. He attempted to return in games against Toledo and Iowa, but was ultimately sidelined for the rest of the season. Before Ohio State's appearance in the Peach Bowl, the school announced that Smith-Njigba would not return to the field to prepare for the NFL draft.
In the NFL for three years, Kennedy pointed out, Smith Njigba has played in every Seahawks game.
"It's helped him," Kennedy said.
Smith-Njigba was drafted 20th overall by the Seahawks, has earned two Pro Bowls, a First Team All-Pro nod and won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award in 2025. He and the Seahawks beat the Patriots 29-13 in the Super Bowl last season.
