The Seattle Seahawks found a potential immediate starter in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as the team traded up to the No.35 overall pick and selected South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori.
Emmanwori had a breakout 2024 campaign at South Carolina, snagging four interceptions with 88 tackles and establishing himself as one of the top safeties in the country. Now, he heads to Seattle, where he could be relied upon early to play a pivotal role in the secondary.
It’s only been a week since Emmanwori became a Seahawk, and the franchise is already letting him wear a historic number. The Day 2 pick will be wearing No.3 with Seattle, the same number Russell Wilson wore during his 10-year stint with the team.
Emmanwori explained his decision during a press conference on Monday and also stated that Wilson was one of his favorite quarterbacks growing up.
“Nick Emmanwori, wearing No. 3, wanted a single digit and No. 7 wasn’t available (Uchenna Nwosu). Nick says Russell Wilson was one of his QBs coming up. Says he appreciates what Russ did in Seattle and he wants to make the jersey number special in his own way, on defense,” Emmanwori said about wearing No.3.
Nick Emmanwori, wearing No. 3, wanted a single digit and No. 7 wasn’t available (Uchenna Nwosu). Nick says Russell Wilson was one of his QBs coming up. Says he appreciates what Russ did in Seattle and he wants to make the jersey number special in his own way, on defense. pic.twitter.com/o2js6cjaeR
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) May 2, 2025
Obviously, Wilson’s No.3 should be retired at some point by the Seahawks, as the veteran signal-caller brought the franchise a ton of success and was always a class act. The 36-year-old signed with the New York Giants this offseason after spending the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Emmanwori could be a game-changer for Seattle, but he has some big shoes to fill if he continues to wear the No.3.
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