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Double Joy After 38-37 Win Over Rams: Young Talent Jaxon Smith-Njigba Quietly Sets a Record the Seahawks Have Never Achieved in 49 Years

Seattle, Washington – December 22, 2025

The dramatic 38–37 overtime victory by the Seattle Seahawks over the Los Angeles Rams shook Lumen Field and reignited the NFC playoff race. But while the spotlight stayed fixed on a wild comeback, another milestone was achieved — quietly, steadily, and historically.

It was the night Jaxon Smith-Njigba etched his name into an elite NFL circle, delivering the Seahawks a feat the franchise had never reached in its 49-year history.

With his reliable production against the Rams, Smith-Njigba officially became the sixth player in NFL history to record 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in two of his first three seasons. The company is exclusive and legendary: Anquan Boldin, Justin Jefferson, Brandon Marshall, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Michael Thomas. No Seahawks receiver — across any era — had ever accomplished it.

What makes the milestone resonate is how Smith-Njigba arrived there. No single jaw-dropping highlight. No moment built for a montage. Instead, he served as Seattle’s quiet stabilizer — moving the chains, stretching the Rams’ coverage, and delivering first downs when the pressure was at its peak.

Tough new reality for Jaxon Smith-Njigba after Seahawks' win over Rams

In a locker room buzzing after the win, Smith-Njigba didn’t seek attention. But when asked about the achievement, he turned the moment outward, reflecting on the journey that shaped him:

“To become the Jaxon Smith-Njigba you see today, I couldn’t have done it without my coaches who stayed patient, my teammates who believed in me, and especially the fans,” he said. “This milestone isn’t just about me — it’s a thank-you to Seahawks fans who trusted me even when things weren’t perfect. I carry that with me every week.”

For Seattle, the win over Los Angeles was a crucial step in the playoff push. For the long view, Smith-Njigba’s night carried even greater meaning. It confirmed the Seahawks aren’t just surviving on moments — they’re building something with a clear foundation.

On a historic night, Seattle didn’t simply win a game. They watched a young star cross into the territory of legacy — quietly, consistently, and unmistakably Seahawks.

“There’s No Other Jersey I’d Rather Wear” — Travis Etienne’s Emotional Declaration Brings Jaguars Fans to Tears. Jacksonville’s 5-Year Rushing Hero Now Faces the Biggest Decision of His Career
Jacksonville, Florida – January 29, 2026 — Travis Etienne, the standout running back of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has delivered an emotional statement that has left the fanbase heartbroken yet filled with both hope and anxiety. With free agency set to open in March 2026 and his contract nearing expiration, Etienne publicly affirmed that he does not want to wear any jersey other than the teal and gold of the Jaguars. “I want to finish my career in Jacksonville. There’s no jersey I’d rather wear than the Jaguars’ colors,” Etienne shared in a recent interview, emphasizing his deep loyalty to the franchise that drafted him with the No. 25 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft — as he faces one of the biggest decisions of his career. Etienne has spent all five of his NFL seasons with the Jaguars, becoming a cornerstone of the offense thanks to his elite dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver. He just completed the best season of his career in 2025: 1,107 rushing yards, 292 receiving yards, 1,399 total scrimmage yards, and 13 total touchdowns (rushing and receiving), leading the team in every major rushing category. Despite injuries that once threatened his trajectory (including missing the entire 2021 season), Etienne has bounced back in dominant fashion, establishing himself as a reliable RB1 and a driving force of the offense under head coach Liam Coen. Although the Jaguars are dealing with salary cap constraints and did not extend Etienne during the 2025 offseason, he admitted his disappointment while reaffirming his desire to stay and retire in Jacksonville. “The Jaguars gave me the opportunity to become a starter early, to build a legacy, and to play in front of the most passionate fans. I want to repay that by finishing my career here if I continue playing,” he said. Despite bold projections from analysts (including Bleacher Report) suggesting Etienne could join contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs to chase a Super Bowl or secure a larger contract elsewhere, Etienne remains steadfast in his commitment to Jacksonville. “If I’m still playing, it’ll be in teal and gold — where I belong and where we can rebuild this team together,” he added. Etienne will officially become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026, and the looming question is whether the Jaguars can retain their star running back with a fair and competitive contract. Market projections from Spotrac and OverTheCap estimate his value at around 3 years / $25 million (APY roughly $8–9 million per year), or potentially higher if a bidding war emerges — a figure that could place significant pressure on Jacksonville’s already tight cap situation (especially with priorities like tagging Devin Lloyd). The projected 2026 franchise tag for running backs sits at approximately $14.1 million, a price the Jaguars are unlikely to pay if they hope to keep other core players. The Jaguars would suffer a massive loss if Etienne departs, as he has become a true fan favorite after five years of loyalty, explosive runs, and on-field leadership. Retaining him — or at the very least giving him a достой farewell — will be one of the most critical decisions the franchise faces this offseason.