Nick Emmanwori has been one of the breakout rookies of the 2025 NFL season, and now he’s on the doorstep of the biggest game of his young career. The Seahawks safety is preparing for Sunday’s Super Bowl showdown against the New England Patriots in Santa Clara, and despite a minor injury scare during the week, all signs point to him being ready to go.
During Wednesday’s practice, Emmanwori rolled his ankle, which limited his participation. It’s the kind of late-week hiccup that can make a coaching staff hold its breath, especially with the stakes as high as they come. But on Thursday, head coach Mike Macdonald provided a reassuring update.
“Just rolled his ankle yesterday,” Macdonald told reporters. “Low-ankle sprain.
He’s going to do the walkthrough today. Not sure how extensive, if at all, he’s going to practice.
He’s confident. Has a great plan.
Fully expect him to play. Right where we want to be.”
That last part-“right where we want to be”-says a lot about how the Seahawks view Emmanwori’s progress. Macdonald emphasized the team’s cautious approach, noting they’d rather be overly careful now than risk anything ahead of Sunday. That’s the smart play when you’re dealing with a key piece of your defense.
Later Thursday, Emmanwori himself addressed the media and echoed his coach’s confidence.
“Towards the end of practice, I just rolled my ankle,” he said. “Kind of caught me off-guard… Just rolled it.
I will be good to go for Sunday. I’m looking forward to that.”
And why wouldn’t he be? Emmanwori has been a force in Seattle’s secondary all season long.
A finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, he’s made a strong case with 89 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception across 16 games. His physicality, range, and football IQ have made him a staple in the Seahawks’ defensive game plan from Week 1.
This isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan rookie season either. Emmanwori came into the league with a résumé that turned heads.
After a standout 2024 season at South Carolina-88 tackles, six pass breakups, and four interceptions-he was selected 35th overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Over three years with the Gamecocks, he racked up 244 tackles, 17 pass breakups, and six interceptions.
That production wasn’t just eye-popping-it was consistent, and it translated quickly to the pro level.
Now, with the Super Bowl just days away, the Seahawks are counting on Emmanwori to be a difference-maker once again. His ability to read plays, close space, and bring down ball carriers has been a major asset in Seattle’s playoff run. And while the ankle tweak is something to monitor, both the team and the player seem locked in on the bigger picture.
Injuries happen, especially this deep into the season, but the best teams find ways to manage them without losing their edge. The Seahawks know what they have in Emmanwori-a young, ascending defender who plays with the poise of a veteran. If he’s on the field Sunday, expect him to make his presence felt.