Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a standout performance for the Seattle Seahawks in their dominant 44-13 victory against the New Orleans Saints. Even while fighting an illness, Smith-Njigba was a key player, snagging five catches for 96 yards and scoring his first touchdown of the season. He had a huge 45-yard reception, making it his third straight game with a catch of at least 40 yards.
This strong showing helped the Seahawks improve their record to 2-1. While he credits his coaches and teammates, Smith-Njigba has often spoken about the unwavering support he gets from his parents, Madda Njigba and Jami Smith. Born on February 14, 2002, he’s a young talent who seems to have a strong support system both on and off the field.
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Who is Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s father, Maada Smith-Njigba?
Maada Smith-Njigba, the father of Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, has an interesting background. He’s a former college athlete himself, having played as a linebacker at Stephen F. Austin University. Beyond his athletic past, he is a firefighter and paramedic in Dallas.
His personal experience in football has been a valuable asset, allowing him to be a strong guiding force in his son’s NFL career. Maada’s multifaceted life and athletic experience have clearly played a significant role in shaping Jaxon’s path to professional football. As The Athletic’s Dane Brugler described his early beginnings, Jaxon “started training with his father….when he was eight years old and naturally gravitated toward sports, especially football.”
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Who is his mother, Jami Smith?
Jami Smith, mother of Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is widely described as a ‘stay-at-home’ mother who is a huge source of support for her son. While some reports have speculated about her being a social worker, there is no definitive information to confirm this.
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She has been a consistent presence throughout Jaxon’s football career, from his days at Rockwall High School to his time at Ohio State and now in the NFL.
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What Ethnicity Are Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Parents?
Smith-Njigba is of half Sierra Leonean from his father’s side and half American from his mother’s side. He honors his father’s ethnicity by wearing the country’s flag on the back of his helmet.
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The surname “Njigba” itself is of West African origin, particularly associated with ethnic groups in Nigeria like the Yoruba.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Relationship with His Parents
You can truly see the bond between Jaxon Smith-Njigba and his parents by looking back at his NFL Draft night. It was an incredibly emotional and rewarding moment for the young wide receiver. The night was made even more special because his entire family, including his parents, Maada and Jami, who got divorced much earlier, were all together for the first time since his grandfather had passed away 11 years ago. For Jaxon, it was more than just a professional milestone; it was a deeply personal one.
In fact, when Jaxon Smith-Njigba was eight years old, he began sprinting up what the family called “Walmart Hill” with his dad and older brother, Canaan. The hill was no joke: steep, tall, and punishing. Canaan dreaded it, but Jaxon loved every bit of it, grinding through early morning workouts, never shying away from the challenge. He’d fly up that incline over and over, pushing himself not just to get better but to make his dad proud. That drive showed up everywhere, even at home, where the brothers turned their living room into a mini football field.
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Couch cushions became tackling dummies, socks served as flags, and Jaxon made sure to keep his toes “in bounds” while catching passes from Canaan, who never took it easy on him. His mom remembers those days like they were yesterday, constant practice, constant imagination. And it wasn’t just football that his parents poured into him. Jaxon’s father would pack extra food in his lunch to share with kids who didn’t have enough, reminding his sons to always put others first and never stand by when someone was being picked on.
Jaxon grew up on those lessons, shaping not only the receiver we see today but also the leader he’s become. Having a strong support system is key to an athlete’s success, and for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, that foundation comes from his family and coaches.