On Thursday night at the Palace of Art in California, comedian and actor Drew Desbordes, known as Druski, joined Hall of Famer Barry Sanders to announce the 2025-26 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. The award went to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but Druski’s attempts to pronounce Smith-Njigba’s name led to a notably awkward and comedic moment during the ceremony.
Unexpected Mishap During the Award Announcement
The event, held before a full audience, quickly took a humorous turn when Druski glanced at the Microsoft tablet showing Smith-Njigba’s name and struggled to say it correctly. His first attempt was unsuccessful, and on his second try, he accidentally uttered a word that stunned the crowd into silence. The situation escalated as he continued with the pronunciation attempts, making the moment even more uncomfortable for those watching.
Druski mispronounced Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s name on purpose, right?This was worse than Mike Verbal pic.twitter.com/ZBBMDDHscP
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) February 6, 2026
Ultimately, Druski decided to refer to the recipient simply as “JSN,” avoiding further complications and calming the audience. This choice was considered the safer option, especially after the Seahawks’ public relations team reacted to the earlier mistakes.
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. https://t.co/tCe2afCcv9
— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) February 6, 2026
Since Smith-Njigba was not present at the award ceremony, a recorded message showcasing the wide receiver’s reactions was played on the big screen. The Seahawks star and many of his teammates were preparing for Super Bowl LX, which is scheduled just three days later against the New England Patriots, the AFC champions.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Remarkable Season as Offensive Player of the Year
The Offensive Player of the Year Award recognizes the athlete who has had the greatest impact on their team’s offensive success. Smith-Njigba’s statistics this season were extraordinary. In his third year, under quarterback Sam Darnold, he led the league with 1,793 receiving yards and accumulated 10 touchdowns on 119 receptions.
During the divisional playoff against the San Francisco 49ers, Smith-Njigba contributed a touchdown in a dominant 41-6 victory, even though his overall role was less pronounced. The NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams showcased his influence more clearly, as he caught 10 passes from 12 targets for 153 yards and scored a touchdown, helping Seattle clinch a close 31-27 victory.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba 10 REC, 153 YDS, 1 TD vs LAR NFC Championship Today.pic.twitter.com/p0Fury6et2 https://t.co/hYhPgYkPV4
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) January 26, 2026
Voting Details Reveal a Narrow Decision
The Associated Press, responsible for the NFL Honors voting, disclosed the tallies for the Offensive Player of the Year. Smith-Njigba earned 14 first-place votes and a total of 272 points. Christian McCaffrey, running back for the 49ers, was close behind with 12 first-place votes and 223 points. Following them were Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua with 8 first-place votes and 170 points.
AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year:1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba 272 points, 14 first-place votes2. Christian McCaffrey 223, 123. Puka Nacua 170, 84. Bijan Robinson 168, 65. Drake Maye 58, 5Matthew Stafford (3), Josh Allen (1) and Trey McBride (1) also got first-place votes.
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 6, 2026
Other players receiving first-place votes included Bijan Robinson, Drake Maye, Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen, and Trey McBride, highlighting the competitive field for the award.
Looking Ahead: Smith-Njigba’s Impact in the Super Bowl
Smith-Njigba’s performance will be crucial in the upcoming Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots. The wide receiver has previously faced the Patriots once, contributing 12 receptions for 117 yards in a 23-20 win. Expectations are high that he will again play a pivotal role as the Seahawks aim to secure the championship.
With the Seahawks and Patriots preparing for the most significant game of the year, Smith-Njigba’s Offensive Player of the Year Award win signals his emergence as a key offensive force. His ability to deliver under pressure will be under close watch as the football world tunes in.
Druski mispronounced Jaxon Smith-Njigba's name on purpose, right?
This was worse than Mike Verbal pic.twitter.com/ZBBMDDHscP
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) February 6, 2026
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. https://t.co/tCe2afCcv9
— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) February 6, 2026
Jaxon Smith-Njigba 10 REC, 153 YDS, 1 TD vs LAR NFC Championship Today.pic.twitter.com/p0Fury6et2 https://t.co/hYhPgYkPV4
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) January 26, 2026
AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year:
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba 272 points, 14 first-place votes
2. Christian McCaffrey 223, 12
3. Puka Nacua 170, 8
4. Bijan Robinson 168, 6
5. Drake Maye 58, 5Matthew Stafford (3), Josh Allen (1) and Trey McBride (1) also got first-place votes.
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 6, 2026
