49ers Defender Headbutts Seahawks Star in Crushing Playoff Defeat
In a highly anticipated playoff matchup, the San Francisco 49ers faced a crushing defeat against the Seattle Seahawks on January 17, 2026. The game, held at Lumen Field in Seattle, ended with a final score of 41-6 in favor of the Seahawks.
Incident of Headbutting During the Game
A significant moment during the game was when 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir headbutted Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This altercation occurred in the second half and followed a brief exchange of words between the two players.
Despite the gravity of the incident, officials chose not to penalize Lenoir for the headbutt, leaving fans and analysts puzzled about the lack of action.
Performance Highlights
Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a standout performance, recording three catches for 19 yards, including a touchdown. He celebrated his achievement with teammates amid the overwhelming victory.
- Total yards: 281
- Turnovers forced: 3
In response to the game, Smith-Njigba’s brother, Canaan, made a playful remark on X, suggesting a familial rivalry with Lenoir.
Lenoir’s Perspective on the Loss
Despite the defeat, Lenoir expressed that the game could have been significantly different if their team had been fully healthy. He acknowledged the team’s struggles on defense, particularly against Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.
Lenoir indicated that the 49ers had adequate players to compete but felt that luck was not on their side during the matchup. He stated, “We had enough guys in here to get the job done. So I feel like it just ain’t going our favor today.”
NFC Championship Outlook
With this victory, the Seattle Seahawks are set to play the winner of the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears matchup in the NFC Championship. The anticipation builds as teams prepare for the next phase of the playoffs.
