Ohio State Star Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba Declares for NFL Draft: ‘My Faith in God has Given Me Strength’

Ohio State Star Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba Declares for NFL Draft: ‘My Faith in God has Given Me Strength’

By Movieguide® Staff

Ohio State Buckeye star Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently announced on social media his declaration for the upcoming NFL draft after a hamstring injury will likely sideline the wide receiver for the remainder of the season.

“As a young kid from Texas, I’ve always dreamed of playing football on the biggest stage,” he wrote on Instagram. “It’s humbling to think that I eventually did play not only on the biggest stage in college football, but also surrounded by the best group of people.”

“Most of all I want to thank God for giving me strength,” he added. “Leaning on Him has always been my answer, and He has not failed me yet because I know I’ll come out stronger than ever.”

Smith-Njigba hurt his hamstring in Ohio’s season opener against Notre Dame. Since then, Smith-Njigba only played in two additional games.

“The season was tough, and I did everything I could to help my team and get back on the field,” he told ESPN. “Sometimes things don’t work out how you planned, but my faith in God has given me the strength to focus on my health and the next challenge.”

In 2021, Smith-Njigba set a Football Bowl Subdivision bowl game record with 345 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ 48-45 Rose Bowl victory against Utah.

“I’ve got to give all things to God,” he told reporters after the game. “Without Him, nothing’s possible. I’ve got to give thanks to Coach (Ryan Day) and (quarterback C.J. Stroud) for getting me the opportunities. The O-line, you know, it’s not just me. I couldn’t have done it without them. I just try to take in every moment every time the ball is in the air. I felt like I did that today, so it’s a blessing.”