This referee went above and beyond on Monday night during the Seahawks’ 27-19 home win over the Texans on “Monday Night Football.”
Former NFL defensive back and current official Nathan Jones stepped in front of Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the Texans’ sideline to prevent any fireworks during a potentially combustible situation.
The incident unfolded roughly halfway through the fourth quarter after Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted a Sam Darnold pass intended for AJ Barner, with the Seahawks leading 27-12. As Stingley ran out of bounds, he stiff-armed Smith-Njigba, causing the receiver’s helmet to fall off.
Smith-Njigba, the former Ohio State star who had earlier received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after scoring a touchdown, responded by shoving Stingley in the back as both headed toward the benches. Several Texans players rushed over, with linebacker Christian Harris even shoving Smith-Njigba into the bench.
Sitting on the bench, Smith-Njigba extended his arms outward, seemingly indicating he was not trying to escalate the situation. Meanwhile, some Texans teammates held Harris back to prevent further confrontation.
As tensions rose, Seahawks teammate Cooper Kupp and others made their way over to defuse the situation. That’s when Nathan Jones worked his way through the pile of bodies to surround Smith-Njigba. Standing face-to-face with the receiver, Jones put his arms on each side of him, helping to calm both sides down.
Stingley ultimately received an unnecessary roughness penalty for his actions.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky praised Jones for his quick and decisive intervention.
“That’s a good job by that official, that referee right there, to protect that player, man,” Orlovsky said. “I don’t know that official’s name, but that’s outstanding by him.”
A Newark native, Nathan Jones played college football at Rutgers before being drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Over an eight-year NFL career spanning 106 games, Jones played for the Cowboys (2004-07), Dolphins (2008-09, 2011), Broncos (2010), and Patriots (2011). He tallied three interceptions and six sacks during his time in the league.
Jones’ transition from NFL player to official clearly showed his commitment to the game, proving invaluable in moments like Monday night’s intense confrontation.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/sports/nfl-referee-steps-in-to-protect-seahawks-jaxon-smith-njigba-in-wild-mnf-brawl-scene/
