Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba Drawing Comparisons to Andre Johnson Ahead of Texans Showdown
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has quickly emerged as a standout performer for the Seattle Seahawks this season, creating a buzz as the team prepares to face the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football.
Rising Star in the NFL
The young wide receiver has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his skills and establishing himself as one of the elite at his position. As the Seahawks head into Week 7, Smith-Njigba’s performance has drawn notable comparisons, particularly from Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Kubiak, whose father Gary once led the Texans, likened Smith-Njigba to Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson, a legendary figure in Houston’s franchise history.
“The kind of worker that (Smith-Njigba) is, that’s what Andre was when I was growing up,” Kubiak remarked. “My dad said: ‘if you want to know what a pro looks like, look at No. 80.’ That’s what great players do; they’re very self-motivated, and that’s what (Smith-Njigba) is.”
High Praise for Smith-Njigba
This comparison carries significant weight, given Johnson’s illustrious career. The former Texans star, selected third overall in the 2003 NFL Draft, consistently delivered elite performances, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in seven of his 14 seasons. Johnson led the league in receiving yards in both 2008 and 2009, setting a standard of excellence.
Currently, Smith-Njigba is on track to break the Seahawks’ record for receiving yards per game, averaging an impressive 116 yards per contest through the first six weeks of the season. His ability to perform at such a high level is reminiscent of his record-setting days at Ohio State, where he played alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud.
A Familiar Face on the Opposing Sideline
As Smith-Njigba prepares to face the Texans, he is eager to compete against his former teammate Stroud. “I’m excited for him to be in Seattle and us to compete,” he stated. “That’s a lot of our relationship is competing against one another. So, it’s awesome that we get to do it on Monday night.”
While the two will not share the same field in the same manner they did in Columbus, the matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. Both players will be looking to outshine the other as their respective teams seek victory at Lumen Field.
Game Day Details
Kickoff for the highly anticipated game between the Texans and Seahawks is set for 7 p.m. PT. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN or stream it through the ESPN app.
As Smith-Njigba continues to carve his path in the NFL, the echoes of comparisons to legends like Johnson serve as both motivation and a testament to his burgeoning talent. The spotlight is on him as he aims to solidify his status among the league’s best.
