Jaxon Smith-Njigba has clinched yet another personal milestone. He had a dominant run in the 2025 season, and the wide receiver will carry the memory into a new one.

“JSN is one of five players to earn a Gold Shield for the 2026 season after being named Offensive Player of the Year. (trophy emoji),” Seattle Seahawks posted on June 28. 

In an X post, the franchise shared a photo of Smith-Njigba in a jersey featuring a Gold Shield for the 2026 season. After all, his last campaign ended with a Super Bowl title and an Offensive Player of the Year award. 

So far, only five players have been bestowed with the honor, and the 24-year-old became the first player in Ohio State Buckeyes history to wear such a jersey. Smith-Njigba’s college career indicated the imminent achievements in his pro career.

He was one of the most sought-after prospects in his class. The five-star WR had offers from over 20 programs, and he chose the Buckeyes.  Between 2020 and 2022, Smith-Ngiba played in 23 games, catching 23 passes for 1,698 yards. He made ten touchdowns. 

With him on the team, Ohio State finished a combined 18-3 during his first two seasons. The Program then advanced to the 2020 College Football Playoff title game and won the 2021 Rose Bowl. He participated in three games in a limited capacity due to his hamstring injury. 

The Buckeyes finished 11-2 and had a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance. The Seahawks picked Smith-Njigba 20th overall in the 2023 season. He signed a four-year, $168.6 million contract with them.

In his third season, Smith-Njigba won a Super Bowl title. Last season, he not only set a franchise record with 1,793 receiving yards but also led the league. He made a whopping 119 receptions and scored ten touchdowns. 

He is one of the five standout performers from the 2025 season. 

So, who are the other four Gold Shield winners?

In 2025, the NFL decided to proceed with a new honor for the best-performing players. After last season’s performances, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) is one of the four players to wear this honor in the 2026 season.

The gold shield is awarded to:

The reigning NFL MVP: Matthew Stafford

The offensive player of the year: JSN

The defensive player of the year: Myles Garrett

The offensive rookie of the year: Tetairoa McMillan 

and the defensive rookie of the year: Carson Schwesinger.

After Garrett was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, the team has two Gold Shield players, him and Stafford. 

What are your thoughts on JSN’s upcoming season? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar