Seattle Seahawks superstar Jackson Smith-Njigba revealed this week that he is not thinking about his next contract. But when it comes time to talk about it, his goal is to set a new NFL record.

After using their first-round pick in 2023 on an Ohio State receiver, Smith-Njigba is everything the Seahawks could have hoped for and more. After waiting in line behind team greats DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett during his rookie season, he made an immediate impact in his sophomore season.

In 2024, the pass catcher posted 100 catches for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns. Maintaining that level of play in the coming years would have made him the 20th overall pick three years ago. However, last season, he showed that he has the talent to dominate like an elite receiver.

In 2025, Jackson Smith-Njigba led the NFL with just under 1,800 yards, was third in touchdowns (10), and fourth in catches (119). Last season, Jayson emerged as one of the best wide receivers in the league. And it seems he wants to be paid the same when his current contract expires after the 2027 season.

Jackson Smith-Njigba wants record deal from Seahawks in next contract

“I’m not really under too much pressure to get right now [a new contract] It’s done,” Smith-Njigba told WFAA in Dallas on Friday. [h/t ESPN]. “I know my time is coming, and when we get through it, it will be great. God’s timing is perfect, so whenever that time comes, we will be ready for it.

“I believe I deserve the highest salary in my position. I give everything I have to the game and the community, and I think it’s worth much more.”

Heading into the 2026 campaign, Cincinnati Bengals superstar Jamar Chase is currently the highest-paid WR, as he signed a four-year deal worth $161 million last year. The deal pays him a little more than $40 million annually. However, this deal was also signed after the receivers post the Triple Crown in 2024.

If Jackson Smith-Njigba can reach that level next season, receiving more than $40 million per season may be necessary. But if he doesn’t, it will put the Seahawks in a difficult position as they may not have won the Super Bowl without JSn earlier this month.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Jackson #SmithNjigba #serves #Seahawks #notice #bold #demand #contract

Top 3 Unbelievable Pro Tennis Kick Serves: Alcaraz, Federer & More!

In the world of professional tennis, the 100 mph flat serve might grab the headlines, but the kick serve wins the matches. For Indian tennis enthusiasts watching the ATP tour, there is nothing more mesmerizing than seeing a ball jump head-high after the bounce, forcing an opponent into a defensive position.

Whether you are playing on the hard courts of Mumbai or the clay courts in Delhi, understanding the mastery behind the kick serve is essential. Today, we dive into the top 3 unbelievable pro tennis kick serves that have redefined the game.

1. Carlos Alcaraz: The Modern Master of Depth

The young Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz, has taken the tennis world by storm, and his kick serve is a primary weapon. Unlike traditional servers who use the kick serve merely as a safe second serve, Alcaraz uses it offensively.

What makes Alcaraz’s kick serve “unbelievable” is the sheer RPM (revolutions per minute) he generates. On the Ad-side, he can pull his opponent so far off the court that the entire baseline is left open for his signature drop shot. For Indian juniors looking to improve their game, Alcaraz is the perfect model for using explosive leg drive to generate height.

2. Roger Federer: The “King of Disguise”

No discussion about tennis serves is complete without the Swiss Maestro. Roger Federer’s kick serve was never about raw power; it was about deception and placement.

Federer had the unique ability to toss the ball in the exact same spot for a flat, slice, or kick serve. This meant opponents couldn’t read the spin until the ball hit the court. His kick serve was particularly lethal on grass at Wimbledon, where the ball would grip the surface and “kick” unpredictably. Federer’s technique remains the gold standard for players who want to master the art of the toss.

3. Dominic Thiem: The High-Bounce Heavyweight

Before his injuries, Dominic Thiem possessed arguably the “heaviest” kick serve on the ATP tour. While Alcaraz offers speed and Federer offers precision, Thiem offers sheer verticality.

Thiem’s kick serve often bounced above the shoulder height of even the tallest players. By arching his back and brushing violently up the back of the ball, he created a trajectory that was a nightmare to return, especially on clay. For players in India who often play on slower surfaces, Thiem’s “heavy” ball approach is a great tactic to force errors from opponents.

How to Improve Your Kick Serve

If you want to emulate these pros, focus on these three elements:

• The Toss: Keep the ball slightly behind your head (at 11 o’clock for right-handers).
• The Upward Brush: Swing from “6 to 12” on the back of the ball.
• Leg Drive: Use your legs to launch into the court, ensuring the energy transfers to the ball.

Conclusion

The kick serve is more than just a second serve; it is a tactical masterpiece. From the deceptive genius of Roger Federer to the explosive power of Carlos Alcaraz and the heavy bounce of Dominic Thiem, these athletes prove that spin can be just as deadly as speed. For aspiring tennis players in India, mastering this serve can be the difference between a club-level game and competitive excellence. Next time you hit the court, remember: it’s not about how hard you hit it, but how much it jumps!

Top 3 amazing kick serves from pro tennis players #alcaraz #tennis

Impressive to see how much spin the pros are able to generate on their serve, those are some of the best ones on tour: Opelka, Shelton, Alcaraz.

#tennislife #tennispro #tennisserve #kickserve #atp

Top 5 Best Kick Serves in Tennis: Master the Art of the “Twist”

In the world of professional tennis, the kick serve is often considered the ultimate weapon. Unlike a flat serve that relies on raw power, or a slice serve that curves sideways, the kick serve uses extreme topspin to jump high and away from the opponent after hitting the court. For Indian tennis enthusiasts playing on high-bouncing hard courts or clay, mastering this shot is a game-changer.

Whether you are watching the ATP tour or training at your local academy in Delhi or Mumbai, understanding who sets the gold standard for this shot is essential. Let’s dive into the top 5 best kick serves in tennis history and how you can emulate legends like Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz.

1. Roger Federer: The Gold Standard of Precision

Roger Federer’s kick serve wasn’t just about the bounce; it was about the disguise. Federer used the same toss for his flat, slice, and kick serves, making it impossible for opponents to read his intent. His ability to hit the “kicker” on second serves under pressure allowed him to pull opponents off the court, opening up the space for his legendary forehand.

2. Carlos Alcaraz: The Modern Power Kicker

Carlos Alcaraz represents the evolution of the kick serve. He generates immense racket head speed, creating a ball that doesn’t just bounce—it explodes. Alcaraz often uses the kick serve as a tactical tool to push his opponents way behind the baseline, especially on clay courts, proving that youth and athleticism can turn a defensive second serve into an offensive weapon.

3. Stefan Edberg: The Serve-and-Volley Legend

You cannot talk about the kick serve without mentioning Stefan Edberg. The Swede had perhaps the most exaggerated “twist” in history. His back would arch significantly, allowing him to brush up the back of the ball and rush to the net. His kick serve bounced so high to the opponent’s backhand that he always had an easy volley waiting for him.

4. John Isner: Height Meets Topspin

At 6’10”, John Isner already has a natural advantage. However, his kick serve is a nightmare because of the angle. When Isner hits a kick serve, the ball often crosses the opponent’s shoulder height, forcing them to hit a “heavy” return from a position of weakness. It is one of the most unreturnable second serves in the history of the sport.

5. Pete Sampras: The “Pistol” Pete Reliability

Pete Sampras is often credited with having the best second serve ever. His kick serve had so much “heavy” spin that even if opponents guessed the direction, the weight of the ball would force an error. His rhythmic motion and leg drive are still studied by coaches across India today.

How to Master the Kick Serve: Key Tips

• The Toss: Throw the ball slightly behind your head (around 11 o’clock for right-handers).
• The Brush: Focus on brushing the ball from “6 to 12” or “7 to 1” on a clock face.
• Leg Drive: Use your legs to explode upwards, helping create the vertical lift needed for the bounce.

Conclusion

The kick serve is more than just a safe second serve; it is a tactical masterpiece. By studying the precision of Federer, the power of Alcaraz, and the mechanics of Sampras, Indian players can add a new dimension to their game. Remember, the goal isn’t just to get the ball in—it’s to dictate the point from the very first strike.