Jaxon Smith-Njigba Calls Out 'Disrespectful' Error on Offensive Player of the Year Trophy

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year, is making headlines for a reason off the field—after publicly revealing a notable mistake on the trophy commemorating his breakout season. The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver posted a video to his Instagram account, highlighting the error and igniting discussion across the football world about how the league handles its most prestigious individual awards.

Smith-Njigba, who was honored for his stellar performance throughout the 2025 NFL season, showed fans that his OPOY trophy arrived with a glaring mislabel. While the specific misprint has not been detailed in the available coverage, the player’s reaction left no doubt about his feelings. The trophy, meant to represent the pinnacle of offensive excellence in the league, instead became a symbol for a “disrespectful” oversight, according to Smith-Njigba’s post and subsequent media analysis.

The story first gained traction when Smith-Njigba’s Instagram video surfaced, and major sports programs such as ESPN’s "Get Up" quickly responded. The show’s panel, including Mike Greenberg, reacted to the incident, emphasizing both the significance of the award and the importance of getting these details right for the athletes who earn them.

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year for the 2025 NFL season.
• He posted a video revealing his OPOY trophy was mislabeled, sharing his disappointment publicly.
• ESPN’s "Get Up" crew discussed the incident, reflecting on the broader implications for league credibility and player respect.

While the NFL has not yet issued an official comment on the matter, Smith-Njigba’s decision to address the mistake publicly resonated with fans and analysts. The error underscores the importance of attention to detail in recognizing player achievements, especially at the highest levels of professional sports. The incident also prompted broader questions about quality control in league-managed accolades and the message such mistakes send to the athletes and their supporters.

Smith-Njigba’s rise to the top of the league’s offensive ranks was one of the defining stories of the 2025 season, with his dynamic playmaking helping lead the Seahawks’ offense. The OPOY award is considered one of the NFL’s most respected honors, typically reserved for players with outstanding statistical and on-field impact. For Smith-Njigba, the trophy was supposed to be a lasting symbol of his historic year.

Instead, the mislabeled trophy has become a flashpoint for discussions about respect and recognition in professional sports. As the league and its awards partners review the situation, fans and analysts alike are watching to see how the NFL responds and whether Smith-Njigba will soon receive a corrected trophy that accurately reflects his achievement.