Nick Emmanwori

Profile updated October 2, 2026: Return-to-play workload, defensive role and rookie-season context.

Nick Emmanwori is a second-year safety for the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle selected him 35th overall in 2025 from South Carolina, and he became part of the defense that won Super Bowl LX. His early 2026 story is about rebuilding his workload after offseason ankle surgery, rather than treating every appearance as a full return to his old role.

How much has Emmanwori played?

Seattle’s September 30 update recorded nine snaps in his Week 2 return at Arizona and 34 the following week at Washington. He made one tackle in the first appearance and two in the second. The team described a gradual increase toward an every-down role.

He practiced fully throughout the Week 4 preparation period and had no game-status designation on October 2. Practice clearance and defensive workload answer different questions: the report does not guarantee that his next game will involve every snap.

Why his role matters

Emmanwori’s rookie contributions crossed several categories. His 2025 regular-season record included 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed and an interception. That combination helps explain why a simple tackle total does not capture the full scope of his role.

Against Atlanta on December 7, 2025, he recorded a sack, an interception and a blocked field goal in the same game. He started 11 of his 14 regular-season appearances and all three playoff games, and was selected to the PFWA All-Rookie team.

South Carolina background

Emmanwori started 36 of 37 college games and finished with 244 tackles and six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns. His final college season earned first-team All-America and All-SEC recognition before Seattle drafted him in the second round.