Are Canaan Smith-Njigba and Jaxon Smith-Njigba brothers? Explaining family ties between NFL, MLB prospects

David Suggs

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Are Canaan Smith-Njigba and Jaxon Smith-Njigba brothers? Explaining family ties between NFL, MLB prospects image

Ball brothers?

One professional-sport playing son is impressive. Two? That's otherworldly. Yet that is the case for the Smith-Njigba clan. Canaan Smith-Njigba has already earned his stripes, turning out for MLB's Pirates at the tender age of 23.

Now, younger brother Jaxon is getting in on the action. Among the most highly touted wideouts in the college game, Jaxon soon will get the chance to strut his stuff at football's highest level.

Siblings sharing interests isn't particularly uncommon. Siblings making it to the big leagues is, particularly in different sports. So, how did it happen?

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The Sporting News examines the relationship between Jaxon and Canaan Smith-Njigba, a pair of brothers hoping to put on for their hometown wherever they go.

Are Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Canaan Smith-Njigba brothers?

With a name so nice you barrel it twice, Jaxon Smith-Njigba seemed destined to show out on the gridiron. Athleticism swirls in his blood, after all; just look at older brother Canaan.

The 6-foot, 198-pound pass-catcher may not strike the most imposing presence at first glance. But don't get it twisted. He's a certified baller, a receiving threat blessed not only with game-changing speed but, more valuably, ever-so-precise route running.

MORE: Jaxon Smith-Njigba confident he is 'a top-five player' in 2023 NFL Draft

The legend of Jaxon starts and ends with his sophomore year of college. After receiving five-star recognition in high school and playing precious few downs as a freshman, Smith-Njigba blossomed into a leading light at the X, combining with future NFL standouts Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave to make up, as ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit called them, "Earth, Wind and Fire" as a second-year player.

However, he wasn't the first family member to earn marquee billing. That honor would be left to Canaan, who the Yankees scooped up in the fourth round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He was but a fresh-faced high schooler at the time. But with plate discipline belying his years, the older Smith-Njigba brother was seen as a promising outfield prospect in New York's system.

Canaan continued to showcase that all-seeing eye in A ball, posting a .304/.405/.466 slash line in 2019. The next time he saw the field, he would playing for an entirely new organization, however.

Sent to Pittsburgh as part of the trade package that brought Jameson Taillon to New York, Canaan found his footing in the upper reaches of the minors. So much so that he bagged a call-up last September. A standout showing in spring training earned him a starting spot ahead of 2023.

MORE: The Pirates are off to their best start since 1992. Should we take them seriously?

Playing in the big leagues represented something of a dream for Smith-Njigba. His younger brother made sure to make it a family affair, pulling up to a host of his brother's games over the past few months.

MORE: Ranking the top 10 wide receivers in 2023 NFL Draft

Jaxon's time is coming, too. He's perhaps the most talented wideout in the Class of 2023, something Wilson can attest to.

What happens when the two have games on the same day? You'd have to imagine it will make for a parental headache for the pair's parents, Jami Smith and Maada Smith-Njigba. Although there certainly are worst issues to have. Perhaps they can dial up Julie and Mychal Thompson for advice.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.