"I want to get in his head": Garrett Wilson plots mind games for Jaxon Smith-Njigba before Jets-Seahawks clash
Garrett Wilson is ready to play psychological chess with his former Ohio State teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba before their upcoming NFL showdown. The New York Jets wide receiver's playful pregame strategy involves a potential late-night text message to get inside his opponent's mind.
Wilson and Smith-Njigba's connection runs deep from their collegiate days. They were part of a remarkable receiving corps that included NFL talents like Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr.
During an appearance on the "Up and Adams" show on Tuesday, Wilson openly discussed his pregame approach to facing Smith-Njigba.
"I'll probably text him like night before the game, trying to get in his head a little bit," Wilson said. "Until then, it's nothing. I ain't hitting him. I know he's been cutting up, you know, all year. I don't want to mess with his mojo. But yeah, like night before the game, I might be like, this is a little something. Maybe, maybe. We'll see. I'm kind of spontaneous usually."
Their bond is rooted in a remarkable tradition of Ohio State receivers making significant impacts in the NFL. In 2021, Smith-Njigba recorded a historic performance with 15 receptions for 240 yards against Nebraska.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's journey to NFL breakthrough
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's rise with the Seattle Seahawks has been impressive. After being drafted 20th overall in 2023, he has transformed from a promising rookie to a critical offensive weapon.
In his rookie season, Smith-Njigba recorded 63 receptions for 628 yards across 17 games. Through just 10 games this year, he has already accumulated 678 yards on 60 catches. His breakthrough came in Week 9 against the LA Rams, where he exploded for seven catches, 180 yards, and two touchdowns.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has been vocal about Smith-Njigba's potential.
"He was all over the place," Smith said to reporters on Sunday. "He played with extreme fire. Shoot, he was just doing his thing. He's a guy who is only going to get better."
DK Metcalf recognized Smith-Njigba's talent early, particularly after his strong Rose Bowl performance in 2022 where he recorded 347 receiving yards and three TDs.
As the Jets and Seahawks prepare to clash, the spotlight will be on Wilson and Smith-Njigba, two friends turned competitors, ready to write the next chapter of their professional narrative.