Druski Mispronounces Jaxson Smith-Njigba's Name at NFL Honors

Seahawks Respond After Influencer's Blunder During Award Presentation

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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During the NFL Honors ceremony, influencer Druski mispronounced Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba's name in a racially insensitive manner while presenting him the AP Offensive Player of the Year award. The Seahawks organization and players condemned Druski's mistake, which overshadowed Smith-Njigba's standout season and upcoming Super Bowl appearance.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of properly pronouncing players' names, especially those with diverse cultural backgrounds, and the need for greater sensitivity and respect in high-profile award presentations. It also underscores the Seahawks' support for their star player as he prepares for the biggest game of his career.

The details

During the NFL Honors ceremony, Druski was tasked with announcing Jaxson Smith-Njigba as the winner of the AP Offensive Player of the Year award. Instead of properly pronouncing his last name, Druski used a racial slur, repeating it twice. Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, who was standing next to Druski, correctly pronounced Smith-Njigba's name. The Seahawks organization and players, including linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and the team's PR team, condemned Druski's mistake on social media.

  • The NFL Honors ceremony took place on February 6, 2026.
  • Smith-Njigba is set to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Jaxson Smith-Njigba

A star third-year wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award after a standout season, leading the league in receiving yards.

Druski

An influencer who was assigned to read Smith-Njigba's name during the NFL Honors ceremony but mispronounced it in a racially insensitive manner.

Barry Sanders

A Hall of Fame NFL player who was on stage with Druski and correctly pronounced Smith-Njigba's name.

Uchenna Nwosu

A linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks who condemned Druski's mistake on social media.

Seattle Seahawks

The NFL team that Smith-Njigba plays for, which responded to the incident on social media and expressed support for their star player.

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What they’re saying

“Druski lame.”

— Uchenna Nwosu, Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks (X)

“Hall of Famer Barry Sanders drew the short straw getting stuck with @druski's big whiff tonight. Put some respect on @Seahawks WR @jaxon_smith1's name.”

— Seattle Seahawks PR Team (Twitter)

What’s next

Smith-Njigba will look to cap off his standout season by leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory over the Patriots on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for greater sensitivity and respect when pronouncing players' names, especially those with diverse cultural backgrounds, during high-profile award ceremonies. It also highlights the Seahawks' unwavering support for their star player as he prepares for the biggest game of his career.