Nick Emmanwori has been one of the breakout stories of the Seahawks’ season, and even a late-week ankle scare isn’t expected to keep the rookie safety from suiting up in the biggest game of his life.
Seattle head coach Mike MacDonald confirmed that Emmanwori suffered a low-ankle sprain at the end of practice on February 4, but the team remains confident he’ll be ready to go when the Seahawks face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on February 8. Notably, Emmanwori wasn’t listed on the team’s official injury report as of February 6, a strong sign that his availability isn’t in serious doubt.
The rookie didn’t practice the day after the injury, but that appears to be more of a precaution than a red flag. For a player who’s become such a critical part of Seattle’s defense, the coaching staff is clearly being smart about managing his reps heading into the biggest stage.
Drafted 35th overall in 2025, Emmanwori has quickly proven he belongs. His versatility in the secondary has been a huge asset for Seattle, and he’s expected to play a major role against a Patriots offense that thrives on exploiting mismatches and attacking downfield. Emmanwori’s ability to cover ground, disrupt passing lanes, and step up in the run game makes him a key chess piece in MacDonald’s defensive scheme.
If there was any doubt about his impact, look no further than the NFC Championship Game against the Rams. Emmanwori was the highest-graded defender on the field, according to Pro Football Focus, finishing with five tackles and forcing three incompletions. That kind of performance under playoff pressure says a lot about his poise - and his ceiling.
On the season, Emmanwori has racked up 56 solo tackles and one interception, but the stat that really jumps off the page is his 15 pass breakups - the most among all safeties in the league. That blend of physicality and ball skills earned him a spot as a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist, and it’s clear he’s already playing beyond his years.
Before making the leap to the NFL, Emmanwori starred at South Carolina under Shane Beamer from 2022 to 2024, where he piled up 166 solo tackles and six interceptions. That production translated quickly at the next level, and now he’s on the cusp of capping off a stellar rookie campaign with a Super Bowl appearance.
If Seattle’s going to slow down the Patriots’ offense, they’ll need Emmanwori flying around the secondary, doing what he’s done all year - making plays, setting the tone, and showing why he’s one of the most promising young defenders in the league. An ankle sprain might’ve briefly raised eyebrows, but make no mistake: the Seahawks fully expect their rising star to be ready when the lights come on.