Seattle Seahawks star Ernest Jones wins NFC Defensive Player of the Week

In the midst of a career season, Seattle Seahawks star linebacker Ernest Jones has continued to fly under the radar of national attention.

However, his performance against the Minnesota Vikings was one nobody could ignore, and earned him the honors of NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Thanks to a couple of gifts from Vikings’ undrafted quarterback Max Brosmer, Jones reeled in two interceptions and took one 85 yards to the house for his first career pick-6.

Jones’ five interceptions this season have him in a three-way tie for the second-most interceptions in the NFL, with only Kevin Byard III, a safety, having more than the South Carolina alum. Before the 2025 season, Jones had only had four interceptions in his career.

Aside from Will Levis-esque quarterback play from Brosmer, Jones was a substantial force in the Seahawks’ shutout of the Vikings. Jones racked up 12 tackles, adding to his team-leading 83, which is over 20 more than the next individual Seahawk.

This performance is a continuation of Jones’ massive impact on the Seahawks’ defense under head coach Mike Macdonald. The move to acquire Jones was yet another midseason trade masterclass by John Schneider, who brought him over from the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 fourth-round pick, which became tight end Gunnar Helm and linebacker Jerome Baker.