Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s parents, Maada Smith-Njigba and Jami Smith, have witnessed the Seattle Seahawks star’s rapid rise. Jaxon (also known affectionately by fans as JSN) comes from a diverse background, including the family’s proud African roots.
The Seahawks receiver has Sierra Leonean descent and was named the NFL African Player of the Week by ESPN on November 25, 2025. After the Seahawks punched their ticket to the Super Bowl, Jaxon shared a viral moment with his mom Jami on the field in Seattle.
Jami is clearly emotional celebrating her son’s special moment in the video that captured fans’ attention ahead of the Super Bowl.
Here’s what you need to know about JSN’s family.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Family’s Roots Include Sierra Leone
Jaxon has emerged as one of the top NFL wide receivers and a major reason why Seattle is in the Super Bowl. The star’s African roots go back to his grandparents.
“Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s heritage is a blend of cultures, with roots traced back to Sierra Leone through his grandparents,” DAZN.com detailed in a December 12, 2024, story titled, “Meet Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Sierra Leonean tearing it up in the NFL.” “This connection to West Africa adds a unique layer to his identity as an NFL player and he often wears the Sierra Leone flag on the back of his helmet.
“His father, Kelechi Njigba, also brings Nigerian heritage to the family, while his mother, Lakita Smith, is American. This multicultural background has played a role in shaping Jaxon’s character and outlook.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba on African Heritage: ‘My Dad Made Sure We Knew Where We Came From & Our Background’
Jaxon was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, but the family’s African heritage is never too far from the receiver’s mind. The Seattle wideout pointed to his dad Maada for helping him understand their family’s roots.
“It’s our blood,” Jaxon told Fox Sports’ Laken Litman during a September 1, 2022, feature story titled, “How Jaxon Smith-Njigba became Ohio State’s next great receiver.” “My dad made sure we knew where we came from and our background and how our grandfather had to work for everything and change his name to get jobs.
“We know things aren’t going to be given to us. We know we have to work for it.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Dad Maada Turned to Sports to Help the Family Through Divorce
Sports has been a major part of the Smith-Njigba family. Jaxon’s dad Maada played college football as a linebacker at Stephen F. Austin. The receiver’s older brother Canaan Smith-Njigba had an MLB stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After Jaxon’s parents divorced, his father Maada was looking for ways to entertain his sons when they would spend time together. The family turned to sports to keep Jaxon and Canaan active.
“From a young age, Maada trained his sons near their home in Rockwall, Texas, 23 miles northeast of Dallas,” Litman wrote in September 2022. “After he and the boys’ mom divorced, Maada had to figure out what to do with his sons during his time with them.
“Working for the Dallas Fire Department, he lived in a one-bedroom apartment and didn’t own a TV. Going to the movies or Chuck E. Cheese wasn’t in the cards financially. So he leaned on what he knew best, which was sports.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Parents Help Seahawks Star Embrace African Heritage