Jaxon Smith-Njigba was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year for the 2025 season. He was announced as the winner during the NFL Honors show, and the award was presented by comedian Druski along with Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. Druski was the one who officially read the name, and he is now getting called out for a blatant mispronunciation.
Druski Called Out After Mispronouncing Jaxon Smith-Njigba at NFL Honors
The NFL Honors uses a similar format to many other televised awards shows. One of the traditions they have adopted is using celebrities as guest presenters to announce the results of specific awards.
Sanders and Druski were tasked with presenting the Offensive Player of the Year award for the 2025 NFL season. It was Druski who opened the envelope and read the name, but botched the pronunciation of Smith-Njigba, this year’s winner. Many around the league called him out for his blatant error.
“This wasn’t cool at all,” said Jeff Lightsy Jr.
Some called the comedian out for disrespecting by failing to properly announce the name of the now-reigning OPOY. It was done so on stage and broadcast live with most of the NFL world watching.
“Druski messing up Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba last name was such a disrespectful, never invite him back,” insisted Hawk Mania.
Several called for the NFL to penalize Druski for his mistake. This includes some wanting him to be banned from future awards shows.
“Hey NFL, you better never have Druski present an award ever again,” demanded Gee Scott Sr.
Sanders even corrected him on stage after his multiple failed attempts to get the name right. This prompted some to express sympathy for the Detroit Lions legend.
“Barry Sanders drew the short straw getting stuck with Druski’s big whiff tonight,” stated Seahawks PR.
Others offered a simple solution to what appears to be a difficult name to pronounce correctly. They suggested they just call him by his nickname, JSN.
“Let’s just call him JSN, Druski. He’s OPOY,” suggested Mike Garafolo.
Even some NFL players agreed with this suggestion to avoid the botched announcement. This includes former Seahawks All-Pro safety Jamal Adams.
“Facts. Just say JSN and move around,” added Adams.
On the other hand, some have speculated that Druski may have intentionally mispronounced the name as a comedy bit. Even if this were the case, many still found it disrespectful.
“Trying too hard. No way people find this corny act funny,” offered Matt Be Great.
Regardless of whether or not this was a joke, and whether he will be called JSN or Jaxon Smith-Njigba, he will forever be an Offensive Player of the Year. He earned the award by leading the NFL in receiving yards and ranking fourth in total receptions, while also placing second among all wide receivers in PFSN’s Impact Rankings this year.
He liberal or socialist he should be banned