Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori will be making his first Super Bowl appearance this Sunday. The ex-South Carolina Gamecocks player will face the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium, with the ultimate goal of lifting the Lombardi Trophy.

Emmanwori, a former member of South Carolina’s football team, is also associated with the women’s basketball program through his relationship with Gamecocks’ point guard, Raven Johnson.

Emmanwori and Johnson met at the University of South Carolina, and while the details of their relationship remain private, it was publicly confirmed around the 2025 NFL draft, when the Seahawks picked Emmanwori with the 35th overall selection.

Raven Johnson, turning 23 in March, is an Atlanta native and former Westlake High star. Since 2021, she’s been central to South Carolina’s success, earning a reputation for playmaking, defensive intensity, and leadership. Now a senior in 2025, she remains a heartbeat of the team.

Johnson has been instrumental in the Gamecocks’ success throughout her time at South Carolina, contributing to multiple SEC titles and a national championship. Her efforts were recognized when she earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2023.

Although many of the Seahawks’ WAGs are expected to be at the Super Bowl cheering for their partners, Johnson won’t be among them, as she will be playing around the same time.

South Carolina’s women’s basketball team is scheduled to face Tennessee on Sunday afternoon at Colonial Life Arena, with kickoff around 3 p.m. ET, shortly before the start of Super Bowl LX. This means Johnson is expected to be representing her team instead of watching Emmanwori play later that night.

Will Nick Emmanwori start for the Seahawks on Sunday after an injury scare?

Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori left Wednesday’s practice due to an issue with his ankle, as reported on Thursday by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on X. While he managed to walk off the field unassisted, the setback immediately cast doubt over his participation in Sunday’s Super Bowl clash with the New England Patriots.

Emmanwori has been a key playmaker in Seattle’s secondary this season. His ability to read the field, disrupt passing lanes, and lead the defensive backfield has been crucial, making the prospect of him missing the team’s biggest game especially concerning.

Emmanwori received good news on Friday, as he was cleared to play and fully participated in practice. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, he will be on the field Sunday when Seattle faces the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

The star defensive back has been a key contributor all season, recording 1 tackles, including nine for loss, along with 2.5 sacks and an interception in 14 games (11 starts).