Young Talent Who Became a Nationwide Hero at 16 for Saving a Family of 4 from a River in 2022, Now 20 and Set to Join the Eagles

 Seattle, Washington The 2026 NFL Honors ceremony took an unexpected turn when Seattle Seahawks fans were left stunned by the last-minute exclusion of two of the team’s biggest stars, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN) and Sam Darnold, from major award categories. These snubs have sparked outrage in the Seahawks community, with none other than franchise legend Marshawn Lynch speaking out. Lynch, who has always been a vocal supporter of the team, didn’t hold back in his criticism. The former Seahawks running back took to social media and interviews, demanding that the NFL reconsider its decision, stating that the omission of both players was "a slap in the face" to the organization and its loyal fans. "Their numbers speak for themselves. They had breakout seasons and are becoming some of the top players in their positions. They led the team to one of the most impressive records in the NFC, earning the trust of the entire city of Seattle. This isn’t just about stats, it’s about recognizing the players who have given it their all and contributed significantly to the team’s success." JSN, who finished his rookie season with 1,100 yards and 9 touchdowns, was widely considered a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Darnold, after a turbulent career, had a career-defining season with Seattle, guiding them to a 14-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, with 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns. Both were expected to be honored for their outstanding performances. The NFL’s response came quickly, but it did little to ease the frustration of fans and players. According to the league, the voting process was based purely on "individual performance metrics," and "the final decision was made in accordance with the official criteria." However, this explanation did little to quell the anger in Seattle, with fans and analysts questioning how such impactful players could have been overlooked. Lynch’s impassioned call has only fueled the fire, with fans rallying behind him, demanding more transparency from the NFL. As the backlash continues, it’s clear that the exclusion of JSN and Darnold has left a significant mark on the 2026 NFL Honors, and the community’s frustration isn’t likely to subside anytime soon. With the Seahawks preparing for Super Bowl 60, it remains to be seen whether the NFL will reconsider its stance — or whether these snubs will only fuel the team’s drive for a championship. One thing is for certain: Marshawn Lynch is not backing down, and neither are the Seahawks faithful.