Jaxon Smith-Njigba Earns First-Team All-Pro Honors, Seahawks Shine

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has achieved a significant milestone by being named to the 2025 Associated Press (AP) first-team All-Pro. His selection is a testament to his outstanding performance throughout the season. In addition to Smith-Njigba, four other Seahawks players earned spots on the second team, showcasing the team’s strong presence in this year’s All-Pro selections.

The All-Pro team featured notable players, with Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams earning the first-team quarterback position after outpacing Drake Maye. Stafford recorded an impressive 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns this season, leading the NFL in both categories. His passer rating of 109.2 placed him second overall, just behind Maye’s rating of 113.5. Stafford’s recognition marks the first All-Pro honor of his 17-year career.

Unanimous Selections Highlight Team Excellence

Three players were unanimous selections for the first-team: Myles Garrett, Puka Nacua, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Garrett, who set an NFL record with 23 sacks in a single season, continues to solidify his legacy as a dominant edge rusher. Nacua’s remarkable contributions to the Seahawks have also not gone unnoticed, affirming the team’s offensive prowess.

The second-team roster included Bijan Robinson as the starting running back and Christian McCaffrey as the All-Purpose player. Ja’Marr Chase was named the third wide receiver, with Trey McBride receiving 49 of 50 first-place votes for tight end. The selections reflect a well-rounded group of talent across various positions.

Stafford expressed his surprise and gratitude upon learning of his selection, stating, “That’s amazing. I did not see that coming.” He added, “It means a lot,” emphasizing the respect he holds for his fellow players and the challenges of achieving such recognition.

Historic Achievements and First-Time All-Pros

The 2025 All-Pro team also saw historic achievements, with Stafford becoming only the second player to earn first-team All-Pro honors in his 17th season or later. The only other player to accomplish this feat was kicker Gary Anderson in 1998. Before Stafford, the longest wait for a quarterback was held by Fran Tarkenton, who earned All-Pro status in his 15th season.

The Denver Broncos, who secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed, had four players named to the first team, including Garrett Boles, Quinn Meinerz, and special teams player Devon Key. The second team featured cornerback Patrick Surtain II and safety Talanoa Hufanga, both of whom have made significant impacts on their teams this season.

Among the new faces on the All-Pro roster, Chimere Dike of the Tennessee Titans became the fourth rookie to make the team since 2020. Dike expressed his excitement, stating, “That’s awesome. Everyone wants to be All-Pro one day.” His achievement reflects the promise and talent of emerging players in the league.

The voting process for the All-Pro teams utilized a new system introduced by the AP four years ago, which allows voters to select both a first and second team. First-team votes are valued at three points, while second-team votes are worth one point. The accounting firm of Lutz and Carr tabulated the votes, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the selection process.

This year’s roster not only highlights seasoned players like Stafford and Garrett but also emphasizes the rising stars of the league, illustrating the depth and competitiveness of the NFL. The All-Pro selections serve as a recognition of excellence and achievement in a demanding sport, celebrating the hard work and dedication of all players involved.