After the 44–22 win over the Cardinals, star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba left the entire NFL speechless as he turned down the MVP award – and the reason behind it moved millions to tears.

Seattle, Washington – December 18, 2025 The Seattle Seahawks entered Thursday’s practice with a notable update from the NFL regarding defensive cornerstone Julian Love, as the team continues preparations for a season-defining showdown with the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field. While no formal declaration was made regarding Love’s game status, the update was significant enough to draw attention inside the building. Head coach Mike Macdonald maintained his characteristic caution when asked about Love, who has dealt with a lingering hamstring issue this season and previously spent time on injured reserve. Love returned to the field in last week’s win over the Indianapolis Colts, but his role remained carefully managed — a reflection of Seattle’s priority on long-term stability rather than short-term risk. During his post-practice availability, Macdonald declined to expand on the specifics of the NFL update, while still acknowledging Love’s importance within the defensive structure. “We get updates like everyone else does at this point in the season,” Macdonald said. “It doesn’t change how we prepare, but it gives us more clarity on what we’re monitoring. Julian is an important part of what we do defensively, and we’ll handle it in a way that’s best for the football team.” The reserved tone mirrors the approach the Seahawks are taking ahead of what effectively feels like an early playoff test. The previous meeting between the two teams in November ended in a 21–19 Rams victory, a game in which Seattle’s defense was repeatedly placed in short-field situations following offensive mistakes. For Macdonald, maintaining structure and communication — particularly in the secondary — remains a top priority. Love’s value in that framework goes beyond individual production. As a veteran safety, he plays a central role in communication, pre-snap adjustments, and ensuring younger defenders are aligned correctly — details that often determine outcomes in tightly contested games. Seattle has also acknowledged the steady play of Ty Okada during Love’s absence, underscoring the roster depth the team has relied on to remain competitive. Still, receiving an NFL update so close to a critical divisional matchup suggests the Seahawks are evaluating every option with precision rather than defaulting to routine rotation. Thursday games present unique challenges, with condensed preparation time and little margin for error. For the Seahawks, internal clarity — even if it remains private — regarding Julian Love is part of that preparation. Both the Seahawks and Rams enter the matchup at 11–3. Seattle doesn’t need public assurances or definitive declarations. What it needs is discipline, execution, and sound decisions at the right moments — and the latest update on Julian Love, while understated, remains an important piece of that equation.