Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s journey to becoming an NFL standout with the Seattle Seahawks is deeply intertwined with the values and support of his athletic family.

His parents, Maada Smith-Njigba and Jami Smith, laid the groundwork for both Jaxon and his elder brother, Canaan, to pursue careers in professional sports. Their narrative is one of dedication, multicultural pride, and a collective commitment to achieving excellence both in athletics and in life.

Meet Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Parents: Maada and Jami

The steadfast support Jaxon enjoys comes from his parents, Maada and Jami. Maada, a former linebacker at Stephen F. Austin University, now serves as a firefighter and paramedic in Dallas. Leveraging his own sports experiences, he became his sons’ initial coach, beginning Jaxon’s training when he was just eight years old. On the other hand, Jami has been a devoted stay-at-home mother, providing unwavering support from high school to the professional leagues. Despite their divorce during Jaxon’s youth, Maada and Jami have remained a cohesive team in nurturing their sons’ aspirations.

The ethos of hard work was ingrained in the Smith-Njigba family from the start. Maada crafted challenging training routines for his sons, which included early morning sessions on a daunting slope they called “Walmart Hill.”

This upbringing was not solely about physical endurance but also about imparting life values. Maada instilled in his sons the significance of kindness and advocacy, often packing extra food in Jaxon’s lunch to share with peers in need. This combination of athletic rigor and character development at home has molded Jaxon into the player and person he is today.

This foundation was built not just on physical training but also on life lessons. Maada taught his sons the importance of kindness and standing up for others, often packing extra food in Jaxon’s lunch to share with classmates who didn’t have enough. This blend of athletic discipline and strong character building within the family home shaped Jaxon into the player and person he is today.

The Smith-Njigba Sibling Bond: Jaxon and Brother Canaan

Jaxon is not the only professional athlete in the family. His older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, is a professional baseball outfielder. Canaan was originally drafted by the New York Yankees and has played in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The brothers share a close bond and have often been seen supporting each other’s careers. In a fortunate turn of events, Canaan was claimed by the Seattle Mariners in 2024, uniting the siblings professionally in the same city, a development Jaxon described as a “dream come true”.

Honoring Sierra Leonean Roots and Family Heritage

Jaxon Smith-Njigba proudly honors his diverse ethnic background, which is half Sierra Leonean from his father’s side and half American from his mother’s. His connection to Sierra Leone comes from his paternal grandfather, who immigrated to the United States in the 1970s.

To celebrate this heritage, Jaxon wears the Sierra Leone flag on the back of his NFL helmet. He also chose to incorporate the family name, “Njigba,” into his jersey in high school as a way to honor his grandfather after his passing, solidifying a visible link to his cultural roots.