NFL ref steps in to protect Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba in wild ‘MNF’ brawl scene

This referee went above and beyond on Monday night.

Former NFL defensive back and current official Nathan Jones stood in front of Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the Texans’ sideline to prevent any fireworks during a potentially combustible situation during Seattle’s 27-19 home win over the Texans on “Monday Night Football.”

The situation unfolded roughly halfway through the fourth quarter after Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted a Sam Darnold pass intended for AJ Barner with the Seahawks ahead, 27-12.

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Several Texans ran over, with linebacker Christian Harris even shoving Smith-Njigba into the bench.

The receiver sat on the bench and extended his arms outwards as if to say he was doing nothing, while several Texans teammates held Harris back.

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Seahawks teammate Cooper Kupp and others finally made their way over, and that’s when Jones worked his way through the pile of bodies to engulf Smith-Njigba.

He stood facing the receiver and put his arms to each side of him while the parties calmed down.

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Stingley ultimately earned an unnecessary roughness penalty for his actions.

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky praised Jones for his actions.

“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.”

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Jones, a Newark native, played for Rutgers before being drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft.

He played for the Cowboys (2004-07), Dolphins (2008-09, 2011), Broncos (20010) and Patriots (2011) during an eight-year career spanning 106 games.

Jones tallied three interceptions and six sacks in his career.

He joined the NFL refereeing ranks in 2019.