Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba Earns AP First-Team All-Pro Honors

Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has received recognition as a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the 2025 NFL season. This accolade marks a significant achievement for Smith-Njigba, who was among four Seahawks players selected for the All-Pro teams. The announcement highlights a strong season for Smith-Njigba, alongside notable performances from his teammates.

In addition to Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks saw three other players named to the second-team: Myles Garrett, Puka Nacua, and Matthew Stafford. Stafford, the seasoned quarterback, outperformed Drake Maye to secure his first All-Pro honor in his 17-year career, receiving 31 first-place votes against Maye’s 18. Josh Allen garnered the remaining vote in a competitive field.

Stafford’s impressive season included leading the NFL with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, achieving a passer rating of 109.2, second only to Maye’s 113.5. Stafford expressed his surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award, stating, “It means a lot. I did not see that coming. Played a lot of years… It’s not an easy thing to do.”

Historical Context of All-Pro Selections

With this honor, Stafford becomes the second player to be named a first-team All-Pro in his 17th season or later, a feat previously achieved by kicker Gary Anderson in 1998. The longest wait for a quarterback prior to Stafford was held by Fran Tarkenton, who earned All-Pro recognition in his 15th season in 1975.

The Denver Broncos, who secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed, also had a strong showing with four players making the first team. This included Garrett Boles (left tackle), Quinn Meinerz (left guard), and special teamer Devon Key. In addition, Patrick Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga were named to the second team, further solidifying the Broncos’ dominant presence in the league.

The All-Pro selections saw a significant number of first-time honorees this year, with eighteen players achieving this distinction for the first time. Special teams were well-represented, featuring Will Reichard (kicker), Jordan Stout (punter), and Ray Davis (kick returner), among others. Notably, Chimere Dike, a rookie punt returner for the Titans, expressed his excitement about making the team, stating, “Everyone wants to be All-Pro one day… I’m just thankful coach and my teammates had belief in me.”

This year marked the fourth iteration of the AP’s new voting system, where voters selected both a first and second team. The points system allocated three points for first-team selections and one point for second-team selections. Votes were tabulated by the accounting firm of Lutz and Carr, ensuring a transparent and credible process.

As the NFL approaches the playoff season, these recognitions not only highlight individual talent but also reflect the collective effort of teams in pursuit of championship aspirations. For players like Smith-Njigba and Stafford, their All-Pro honors serve as a testament to their dedication and performance throughout the season.