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NFL referee became ‘MNF’ star after saving Jaxon Smith-Njigba from angry Texans mob

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 11:06 AM ET

An NFL referee stole the show during the “Monday Night Football” clash between the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans.

The Seahawks led the Texans 27-12 midway through the fourth quarter at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. Quarterback Sam Darnold’s throw to midfield was intercepted by Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who ran it back to the Seahawks’ 37.

Stingley was pushed out of bounds by Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who lost his helmet on the play. In a matter of seconds, Smith-Njigba was surrounded by angry Texans players. Referee Nate Jones came to JSN’s aid, wedging himself between the Seahawks star and his assailants.

Official Nate Jones with a better block than any Texans offensive lineman tonightpic.twitter.com/FqeMveW4lW
— Dan Why-Ner (@ReallyDanWeiner) October 21, 2025

Jones is no stranger to NFL-level contact. The 43-year-old spent eight seasons in the NFL as a defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots. He may not be a blocker by nature, but the man blocked for Smith-Njigba like an elite left tackle trying to keep his QB clean.

NFL Player-turned-ref Nate Jones ran into a scuffle between the Seahawks and Texans after Jaxon Smith-Njigba had his helmet ripped off pic.twitter.com/A9l7VK5h4o
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 21, 2025

Jones protected Smith-Njigba despite the Seahawks star dunking on a different official after ending the first quarter with a touchdown.

Did you know 11 had hops like that? @jaxon_smith1 pic.twitter.com/iIRohKRk6G
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 21, 2025

Texans defenders may have had some extra animosity against Smith-Njigba, who had dominated them all game long to that point. JSN recorded about half of Seattle’s catches (8/17) for 123 yards and a touchdown in a 27-19 Seahawks victory.

Smith-Njigba was virtually untouchable on Monday, in part thanks to some help from Jones.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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