Meet Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Family: Parents, Siblings, and Heritage Revealed

• Jaxon’s father, Maada, is a former college linebacker and a Dallas firefighter who was his sons’ first coach.
• His mother, Jami, has been a constant, supportive presence as a stay-at-home mom throughout his football journey.
• Jaxon’s older brother, Canaan, is a professional MLB outfielder, making them a two-sport professional family.
• The Smith-Njigba family instilled values of hard work and discipline through early morning training sessions.
• Jaxon proudly represents his Sierra Leonean heritage by wearing the country’s flag on his game helmet.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s ascent to NFL stardom with the Seattle Seahawks is a story deeply rooted in a close-knit and athletic family.

His parents, Maada Smith-Njigba and Jami Smith, provided the foundation and support that guided him and his older brother, Canaan, to professional sports careers. Their story is one of dedication, multicultural pride, and a shared commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Meet Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Parents: Maada and Jami

The unwavering support system behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba comes from his parents, Maada Smith-Njigba and Jami Smith. His father, Maada, is a former college linebacker who played at Stephen F. Austin University and now works as a firefighter and paramedic in Dallas.

He used his firsthand athletic experience to become his sons’ first coach, starting Jaxon’s training from the age of eight. Jami, Jaxon’s mother, is widely described as a dedicated stay-at-home mom who has been a constant presence throughout his career, from high school to the NFL. Though the couple divorced when Jaxon was younger, they have maintained a strong, united front to support their children’s dreams.

The Smith-Njigba family’s commitment to hard work was instilled early on. Jaxon’s father, Maada, implemented rigorous training regimens for his sons, including early morning workouts sprinting up a steep incline known as “Walmart Hill”.

This foundation was built not just on physical training but also on life lessons. Maada taught his sons the importance of kindness and standing up for others, often packing extra food in Jaxon’s lunch to share with classmates who didn’t have enough. This blend of athletic discipline and strong character building within the family home shaped Jaxon into the player and person he is today.

The Smith-Njigba Sibling Bond: Jaxon and Brother Canaan

Jaxon is not the only professional athlete in the family. His older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, is a professional baseball outfielder. Canaan was originally drafted by the New York Yankees and has played in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The brothers share a close bond and have often been seen supporting each other’s careers. In a fortunate turn of events, Canaan was claimed by the Seattle Mariners in 2024, uniting the siblings professionally in the same city, a development Jaxon described as a “dream come true”.

Honoring Sierra Leonean Roots and Family Heritage

Jaxon Smith-Njigba proudly honors his diverse ethnic background, which is half Sierra Leonean from his father’s side and half American from his mother’s. His connection to Sierra Leone comes from his paternal grandfather, who immigrated to the United States in the 1970s.

To celebrate this heritage, Jaxon wears the Sierra Leone flag on the back of his NFL helmet. He also chose to incorporate the family name, “Njigba,” into his jersey in high school as a way to honor his grandfather after his passing, solidifying a visible link to his cultural roots.

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Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by 247 News Around The World