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A chaotic brawl broke out during Monday night's NFL game between the Seahawks and Texans but, fortunately for Seattle star Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a referee got stuck in and protected him from his rivals.
Smith-Njigba, who continued his superb season in the Seahawks' 27-19 victory, was outnumbered by Texans players after a brief shoving match with his opponents.
Fortunately the referee, who fans quickly discovered was former NFL star Nate Jones, charged into the action and acted as a human shield for Smith-Njigba.
Jones played eight seasons as a defensive back in the NFL with half of those coming for the Dallas Cowboys after they drafted him out of Rutgers in 2007.
He also represented the Miami Dolphins across two spells, the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. As well as refereeing, Jones is also listed as a firefighter and EMT.
Fans watching the game quickly realized who Smith-Njigba's hero was and took to social media to praise him for his intervention.
Former NFL star-turned-referee Nate Jones protected Jaxon Smith-Njigba during a crazy brawl
Smith-Njigba shoved Texans' Derek Stingley Jr after he knocked his helmet off during a play
This official is Nate Jones.
Jones was a DB at Rutgers, was a 7th round pick of the Cowboys in 2004, and had a 7 year NFL career.
He's been an official since 2019.
Kudos to him for this and kudos to the ESPN crew who named him on the MNF broadcast. pic.twitter.com/vkBwqbbens
One posted: 'This was a generational performance by Nate Jones.'
A second said: 'This is such a great, stand-up move by this official. It's rare you see this anymore. Props to Nate Jones.'
A third commented: 'Okay... the Nate Jones story is awesome. Former player now a referee?'
'LFG Nate Jones, ex Cowboy turned ref. He really saved JSN from getting jumped', another said.
One viewer posted: 'Nate Jones has all my respect in this Texans vs Seahawks game. @ESPN this is the kind of thing you need to be showing. God Bless Jaxson Smith-Njigba.'
Another commented: 'Thank you Nate Jones. Stingley, you dirty for that. Harris - why would you go after a player with no helmet on but you're in full gear.'
During the game, Texans' Derek Stingley managed to intercept Sam Darnold's pass intended for AJ Barner and stiff-armed Smith-Njigba as he tried to return it.
But Stingley's play was so forceful that it took the wide receiver's helmet off, which clearly irritated Smith-Njigba.
The former Ohio State star then lashed out and shoved Stingley towards the sideline, prompting Texans players to jump to their teammate's defense.
Kamari Lassiter shoved Smith-Njigba first before linebacker Christian Harris pushed him so hard that Smith-Njigba ended up sitting on the Texans' bench.
Smith-Njigba wanted no part of the altercation and sat there with his arms outwards as the melee continued around him.
But Jones powered his way through the crowd and wrapped himself around the sitting Smith-Njigba to protect him from the chaos.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky hailed Jones' intervention. He said: 'That’s a good job by that official, that referee right there, to protect that player.
'I don’t know that official’s name, but that’s outstanding by him.'
Jones played 106 NFL games during his career, making three interceptions and six sacks.
After leaving the NFL in 2011, Jones took up officiating in 2013 in college football's Pac-12 conference. He was then hired to work in the NFL in 2019 as a field judge on referee Clay Martin's crew. Now he works with Carl Cheffers.
