SEATTLE — Through the first three months of the season, the Seattle Seahawks stand atop the NFC West division with eight wins.
Second-year Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has played a big part in the team's resurgence.
KING 5's Chris Egan sat down with Smith-Njigba to talk about this family, his faith, and, of course, some football too.
Egan: The first time I met you, I was four seats behind you in a canoe out in Lake Washington. You were a rookie. It was an interesting time there on that canoe. I felt like we were gonna tip at some points, but it seems like that was yesterday. But you've had ... a full season now, another great season going. What have you learned so far in Seattle?
Smith-Njigba: Man, I learned a lot. It's kind of hard to put it all in words. But one: just a city, a loving city, a city that cares about their ball. Every time I step on the field, I can feel that. That's a big part of why I love playing this game out here. And I learned a lot about my teammates, who they are on and off the field. The off-the-field stuff too, to get to know them. I feel like, it helps me feel more comfortable every time I step in the building.
Egan: The past two games (you've had) 290 receiving yards, third most over a two-game span in Seahawks history. I grew up watching a guy by the name of Steve Largent. That's the player that has the first and second. I wanted an 80 jersey for Christmas. Now, I got a 14-year-old kid that wants a Jackson Smith-Njigba jersey for Christmas. What's been your key to success this season for you?
Smith-Njigba: Just being me, honestly. Just not trying to press or make any plays, just allowing the game to come to me, so to speak. And you know always playing next to DK and Tyler Lockett will free you up a little bit and Geno putting it where it needs to be, putting the ball where it needs to be will always help my game. So coming into this year, I just knew that I just have to be myself and get better every day and good results will happen.
Egan: I imagine, Tyler and DK have helped your game a little bit over the years too here, huh?
Smith-Njigba: One thousand percent. You know, I can't thank them enough.
Egan: You played at Rockwell High School (with) the Jackets. (You had) 35 receiving touchdowns your senior year. You won the Landry Award, the Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas. A lot of kids don't get to experience high school football in Texas. What was it like playing high school football in Texas?
Smith-Njgiba: To me it was everything. I mean, what football is about you can just go to and watch some Texas high school football. I was blessed to grow up in the area that I grew up. Sort of like this place. It was the highlight of the weekend - Friday night everybody's there watching you. That's where I really fell in love with the game just playing.
Egan: You have a great high school senior season. Junior season was amazing. Old Miss, Nebraska, Notre Dame - all come calling. You head to Ohio State. How did you become better as a player and a person at Ohio State?
Smith-Njigba: Man, I mean, just being young and moving all the way to Ohio, just learning about yourself, having to grow as a person and just having good people around you. The development at Ohio State - I feel like it is second to none. Personality and your work ethic - you have everything to be great there. That's how I felt and I just try to take full advantage of everything that was there.
Egan: From Columbus to Rockwell, you've played in some pretty good environments. What is it like? Obviously, the place (Lumen Field) is gonna be rocking this Sunday. What have the 12s been like for you?
Smith-Njigba: They've been loud. They've been loud and supportive and everything I could ask for. They've been great. Playing for them - it means it means the world to me and I do play for them every time I lace my cleats and head out there and see them and hear them. It just gets me a little amped up some more.
Egan: You are one of the best football players around here, one of the best come out of Ohio State in Rockwall. But you go to your social media page and it's three words; Follower of Christ. Tell me about your faith and your walk and just how important that is for you,
Smith-Njigba: It's everything. Growing up, being a follower of Christ is big. Just having that foundation means everything. Leaning on him, giving him all my worries and just him handling it. It's the best feeling in the world.
Egan: You mentioned your parents. Obviously they got you involved. Your dad played football. Take me back to your first team. You remember that first team.
Smith-Njigba: My first team - it was out of Terrell Texas. We were called the Broncos. I was 3 years old. They had to do something with me. My brother was playing ball and I would run out there with no helmet they had helmets and stuff. I would run out there try to play and they're like, 'ok, we're gonna find you a team.' So, yeah, I was three years old and I was hooked. Ever since knee football with my brother at two years old I was hooked. I just love, love everything about it.
Egan: What was it about football that you love so much?
Smith-Njigba: I feel like football prepares you. It can prepare you for life. The things that we go through in this building and with a lot of other men and a lot of other people in this building and business-wise, relationship-wise and, being able to count on people, people being able to count on you. It's a big thing.
Egan: Last for me. You mentioned your brother, (who is a) professional baseball player and playing football with him. How much did you two push each other to both get better? I'm sure there were some fights. I'm sure there was. But how special is that relationship?
Smith-Njigba: I mean, it's very special. He's my best friend. (I've) been around him since forever. I give him a lot of credit, just being the older brother going through the things that he's gone through and me being able to see and being able to see him do what he does and adjust it a little bit, especially when he did bad things and I see my dad on his butt. I could adjust a little bit and become the favorite child and do all the things right. Yeah, it was great.
Egan: You got the football. I'm gonna give him baseball. Let's just throw basketball. Who wins that?
Smith-Njigba: Oh, me. 1,000%.
Egan: 1,000%?
Smith-Njigba: Me, 1,000%. We've been playing a little soccer. I'll give him that for right now. But basketball is all me.
Egan: Ok, so 2-2. He's got baseball, soccer, you got basketball and football.
Smith-Njigba: I'll have soccer soon but, yeah, baseball that's in the bag (for him).