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

Comedian Druski's intentional mispronunciation of the Seahawks star's name overshadowed his Offensive Player of the Year award.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Just days before the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year at NFL Honors. However, his big moment was overshadowed by comedian Druski's intentional mispronunciation of his name during the ceremony. Druski later revealed that he tried to reach out to Smith-Njigba but did not hear back. Despite the incident, Smith-Njigba went on to help lead the Seahawks to their second Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Why it matters

The mispronunciation of Smith-Njigba's name by Druski sparked backlash from Seattle fans and other sports fans who felt the comedian was trying to overshadow the player's accomplishment. This incident highlights the importance of respecting athletes and their achievements, even in lighthearted settings like awards shows.

The details

Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a standout season for the Seattle Seahawks, leading the league in receiving yards with 1,793 and catching 10 touchdowns. At the NFL Honors ceremony, which took place in San Francisco, comedian Druski intentionally mispronounced Smith-Njigba's name while presenting him with the Offensive Player of the Year award. Smith-Njigba was not present at the event, as he had sent in a pre-recorded acceptance speech while preparing for the Super Bowl. Druski later revealed that he had tried to reach out to Smith-Njigba but did not receive a response.

  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year at NFL Honors, which took place just days before Super Bowl LX.
  • The Seattle Seahawks went on to defeat the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX, marking the team's second Super Bowl championship.

The players

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year after a standout 2025 season.

Druski

A comedian who intentionally mispronounced Smith-Njigba's name while presenting him with the Offensive Player of the Year award at the NFL Honors ceremony.

Seattle Seahawks

The NFL team that Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays for, who won Super Bowl LX after his Offensive Player of the Year award.

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What they’re saying

“I like to mess around, but sometimes you can go too far. Congratulations to him, the team on the Super Bowl. I think that was an amazing thing. I didn't get no response back, but I did reach out, I tried.”

— Druski, Comedian (CBS Mornings)

“Wow, what an honor. I want to first give all the glory to God. Second, I want to give it to my teammates. I want to thank y'all. I love y'all. You are who I do it for each and every week. I want to give this award to my father. Going into my last year (at Ohio State), he told me to pray for wisdom and I did. Before going into that season, I wanted to be a top-five Draft choice. I wanted to be a Heisman candidate and a bunch of things. Ultimately, I wasn't able to play. With that time, I grew wise and figured out a lot about myself and who I wanted to do it for. Ultimately, I dropped to the 20th Draft pick, where I was selected by the Seattle Seahawks. I can't thank everyone involved enough. Much love and have a great night.”

— Jaxon Smith-Njigba (NFL Honors)

What’s next

The Seattle Seahawks will look to defend their Super Bowl LX championship in the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of respecting athletes and their achievements, even in lighthearted settings like awards shows. While Druski's mispronunciation was intended as a joke, it overshadowed Jaxon Smith-Njigba's well-deserved Offensive Player of the Year award and sparked backlash from fans.