South Carolina's Raven Johnson Supports Boyfriend Nick Emmanwori Ahead of Super Bowl

Gamecocks star cheers on her NFL rookie safety boyfriend as he makes his Super Bowl debut with the Seattle Seahawks.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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South Carolina women's basketball player Raven Johnson is supporting her boyfriend Nick Emmanwori, a rookie safety for the Seattle Seahawks, as he prepares to play in Super Bowl 60. Johnson had a strong game for the No. 3 Gamecocks just before the big game, and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley also showed her support for Emmanwori by wearing his jersey. Emmanwori is coming off an impressive first NFL season and is looking to help the Seahawks defeat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

This story highlights the connection between college and professional sports, as well as the personal relationships that can develop between athletes at different levels. It also showcases the support and pride that teammates, coaches, and significant others can have for each other's accomplishments.

The details

Raven Johnson, a guard for the South Carolina women's basketball team, had 13 points and 7 assists in the Gamecocks' 93-50 win over Tennessee on February 8th, just before the Super Bowl. Her boyfriend, Nick Emmanwori, is a rookie safety for the Seattle Seahawks who is making his Super Bowl debut against the New England Patriots. Emmanwori was a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist this season, and Johnson believes he should have won the award. Staley, the Gamecocks' coach, wore Emmanwori's Seahawks jersey to the game in a show of support.

  • Raven Johnson played for South Carolina on February 8, 2026, just before Super Bowl 60.
  • Nick Emmanwori is making his Super Bowl debut on February 11, 2026.

The players

Raven Johnson

A guard for the South Carolina women's basketball team and the girlfriend of Nick Emmanwori.

Nick Emmanwori

A rookie safety for the Seattle Seahawks who is making his Super Bowl debut.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, who wore Emmanwori's Seahawks jersey to show her support.

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What they’re saying

“I think he should have got the Defensive Rookie of the Year this year. He's gonna show the world today why he should've got that award.”

— Raven Johnson (ESPN)

“I gotta go with Ray Ray's man.”

— Dawn Staley, South Carolina women's basketball coach (greenvilleonline.com)

What’s next

Emmanwori and the Seahawks will take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on February 11, 2026.

The takeaway

This story showcases the strong bonds that can form between athletes, even across different sports and levels of competition. It also highlights the pride and support that coaches and significant others can have for their players and partners as they achieve success on the biggest stages.