{"id":41632,"date":"2025-10-21T20:05:30","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T20:05:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=41632"},"modified":"2025-10-21T20:05:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T20:05:30","slug":"nfl-ref-steps-in-to-protect-seahawks-jaxon-smith-njigba-in-wild-mnf-brawl-scene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=41632","title":{"rendered":"NFL ref steps in to protect Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba in wild ‘MNF brawl scene"},"content":{"rendered":"

This referee went above and beyond on Monday night.<\/p>\n

Former NFL defensive back and current official Nathan Jones stood in front of Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the Texans\u2019 sideline to prevent any fireworks during a potentially combustible situation during Seattle\u2019s 27-19 home win over the Texans on \u201cMonday Night Football.\u201d<\/p>\n

The situation unfolded roughly halfway through the fourth quarter after Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted a Sam Darnold pass intended for AJ Barner with the Seahawks ahead, 27-12.<\/p>\n

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ref protecting jaxon smith-njigba pic.twitter.com\/bP7ksgjDVN<\/a><\/p>\n

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Stingley stiff-armed Smith-Njigba while he ran out of bounds, causing the receiver\u2019s helmet to fall off.<\/p>\n

The former Ohio State star, who received an unsportsmanlike penalty earlier in the game after scoring a touchdown, shoved Stingley in the back while they headed toward the benches.<\/p>\n

Several Texans ran over, with linebacker Christian Harris even shoving Smith-Njigba into the bench.<\/p>\n

The receiver sat on the bench and extended his arms outwards as if to say he was doing nothing, while several Texans teammates held Harris back.<\/p>\n

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Seahawks teammate Cooper Kupp and others finally made their way over, and that\u2019s when Jones worked his way through the pile of bodies to engulf Smith-Njigba.<\/p>\n

He stood facing the receiver and put his arms to each side of him while the parties calmed down.<\/p>\n

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Stingley ultimately earned an unnecessary roughness penalty for his actions.<\/p>\n

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky praised Jones for his actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good job by that official, that referee right there, to protect that player, man,\u201d Orlovsky said. \u201cI don\u2019t know that official\u2019s name, but that\u2019s outstanding by him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"underdog<\/figure>\n

Underdog<\/a><\/strong> is where football fans become winners.<\/p>\n