Seahawks Rookie Emmanwori Expected to Play in Super Bowl Despite Ankle Injury

Former South Carolina star safety Nick Emmanwori suffered a low-ankle sprain but is expected to suit up for the big game.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Former South Carolina football star safety Nick Emmanwori, a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to play in the Super Bowl despite suffering a low-ankle sprain at the end of practice on February 4. Seahawks coach Mike MacDonald confirmed Emmanwori's injury but said he "fully expect[s] he's going to play" in the big game against the New England Patriots on February 8.

Why it matters

Emmanwori has been a key defensive player for the Seahawks this season, grading out as the top defender in the NFC Championship game. His presence will be crucial as the Seahawks look to win their first Super Bowl title since 2014.

The details

Emmanwori, the No. 35 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been a versatile player on defense for the Seahawks this season. He's up to 56 solo tackles and one interception heading into the Super Bowl, and leads all safeties with 15 pass breakups. Emmanwori was a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist after playing under South Carolina coach Shane Beamer from 2022-24, where he had 166 solo tackles and six interceptions.

  • Emmanwori suffered the ankle injury at the end of practice on February 4.
  • Seahawks coach Mike MacDonald confirmed the injury on February 5.
  • The Super Bowl between the Seahawks and Patriots is scheduled for February 8.

The players

Nick Emmanwori

A rookie safety for the Seattle Seahawks who played college football at the University of South Carolina from 2022-2024.

Mike MacDonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Shane Beamer

The head coach of the University of South Carolina football team from 2022-2024, where Emmanwori played.

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What they’re saying

“fully expect he's going to play”

— Mike MacDonald, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks (ESPN)

What’s next

The Seahawks and Patriots will face off in Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026 at 6:30pm ET on NBC.

The takeaway

Emmanwori's recovery from his ankle injury will be crucial for the Seahawks' chances of winning their first Super Bowl title in over a decade. His versatility and playmaking ability on defense have been a big part of the team's success this season, and his presence will be key against the Patriots' high-powered offense.