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On Friday, the Seattle Seahawks announced their selection of game captains ahead of Saturday’s divisional playoff matchup vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
This week’s captains are wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and fullback Brady Russell. Smith-Njigba and Russell will both be wearing the “C” for the fourth time this season, while Witherspoon has earned his second game captain selection for 2025. Of the three, only Russell has ties to the state of California, having been born in Camp Pendleton before moving to Fort Collins, Co.
Russell was also a game captain during the Seahawks’ season opener against the Niners back in September, creating for a fun full-circle moment for the 27-year-old. Initially serving as Robbie Ouzts’ backup at the fullback position, Russell appeared in all 17 games during the regular season despite making just one start. The 27-year-old fullback has been a valuable asset during his appearances in 2025, recording 14 tackles and one fumble recovery this season.
Smith-Njigba’s season has been otherworldly to say the least—the third-year wideout earned his second Pro Bowl selection and finished as a first-team All-Pro in 2025. In case you forgot, JSN led the league in receiving yards (1,793) while also setting a new franchise high in receptions (119) along the way. The Seahawks’ offense has ascended to a new level with Smith-Njigba as WR1, and his receiving prowess will be a vital key to success for Seattle on Saturday night.
Witherspoon has continued to be one of the top contributors on the Seahawks’ secondary, earning second-team All-Pro honors and securing his third Pro Bowl nomination in as many seasons in the NFL. Despite missing five of the first seven weeks of the season with a knee injury, the third-year cornerback still recorded 72 tackles on the year, good for first place among Seattle CBs and fourth on the team overall. Between the Seahawks’ two regular season contests against San Francisco this year, Witherspoon tallied 12 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Seattle will host the 49ers for the right to advance to the NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field at 5:00 p.m. PT on Saturday.
