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NFL official Nate Jones goes viral protecting Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba
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The most effective safety through the Seattle Seahawks’ victory over the Houston Texans on Monday night time wasn’t offered by anybody on both sideline.
Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba discovered himself in the midst of an unsightly sideline battle through the fourth quarter when Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Sam Darnold on a go meant for AJ Barner.
Seattle Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) has his helmet knocked off by Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) intercepting a go meant for Njigba as Kamari Lassiter (4) watches within the second half of an NFL soccer recreation on Monday, October 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (AP Photograph/John Froschauer)
Smith-Njigba jumped into blocking mode, however was stiff-armed by Stingley as the 2 encountered the Texans’ sideline.
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Smith-Njigba’s helmet flew off through the play and he was hit by a Houston participant. A number of Texans then crowded round Smith-Njigba, and that is when former NFL participant and official Nate Jones jumped in.
In a single now-viral moment, Jones acquired between Smith-Njigba and the animated Texans gamers, shielding him with each arms because the swarm of gamers dispersed.
After the sport, Smith-Njigba credited Stingley for his “nice ballplay” however downplayed the bench interplay.
An official and Seattle Seahawks’ Cooper Kupp (10) lean over Jaxon Smith-Njigba, sitting on the Houston Texans staff bench, after Derek Stingley Jr. of the Texans intercepted a go late within the second half of an NFL soccer recreation on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. (AP Photograph/Lindsey Wasson)
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‘No, I felt snug there. It is Monday night time and I am not likely fearful about something with regards to my face and all that.”
When requested particularly about Jones’ intervention, Smith-Njigba was grateful.
“Sure, we had a pleasant dialog. I took a deep breath, tried to benefit from the second as a lot as potential and ran again to my sideline.”
Seattle Seahawks extensive receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba responds to questions throughout a press convention following an NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the Houston Texans on Monday, October 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (AP Photograph/Lindsey Wasson)
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Jones was a seventh-round draft decide within the 2004 NFL Draft. He spent 4 seasons as a cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys earlier than shifting to the Miami Dolphins in 2008. He additionally had temporary stints with the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots earlier than taking a referee job in 2019.
Smith-Njigba, who heads the N.F.L in receiving yards this season, scoring his fourth landing of the yr and ending the 27-19 victory with eight receptions for 123 yards.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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