(Photo by Max Dugar)
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Irmo High School can proudly boast of having a Super Bowl champion among its alumni.
Safety Nick Emmanwori earned that distinction with the Seattle Seahawks Sunday night at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The 29-13 win over New England in Super Bowl LX was dominated by the play of the Seahawks’ defense on which the former University of South Carolina earned All-NFL Rookie honors and was a Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up.
Known as “The Dark Side”, the group accounted for six sacks, forced three turnovers that led to 17 points and forced eight Patriots punts. Emmanwori was credited with five tackles and was praised during the broadcast for his on-field omnipresence.
“On Top of the World,” Emmanwori posted on his social media page.
Sunday capped a memorable rookie season for the newly-turned 22-year-old. Drafted in the second round and 35th overall, Emmanwori overcame a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for three games to become one of the Seahawks’ leading defensive contributors.
In 14 regular-season games, 11 as a starter, Emmanwori finished with 81 tackles and 2.5 sacks. On Dec. 7 at Atlanta, Emmanwori became the first rookie in NFL history to record a tackle (six against the Falcons), a sack, an interception and blocked field goal.
His contributions continued into the post-season. Emmanwori versatility at the nickel position enabled Seattle to use smaller players to stop the run and stiffen its pass coverage.
The end result was a defense that allowed an NFL-best 16.9 points per game and forced 28 turnovers this season.
Prior to the Super Bowl, Emmanwori had an injury scare. While defending a pass during last Wednesday’s practice, he reportedly fell down favoring his ankle.
Emmanwori walked off the field under his own power. After initial concerns about his status, he returned to the practice field two days later.
Since the Super Bowl victory, Emmanwori received plenty of congratulatory messages from South Carolina. Among the well-wishers was Irmo head football coach Aaron Brand, who coached the All-State safety as a senior.
“Our community is so proud of Nick,” he said. “He has brought more pride than he will ever realize. This is my first (Super Bowl champion) as a head coach, but I have been a part of staffs that have had Super Bowl champions.
“Nick won’t be the last pro to come out of Irmo during our tenure. It is a testament to our coaches’ hard work. We all knew what Nick could do. After being put on the national stage, the world found out.”
Emmanwori also joined a list of former Gamecocks to win Super Bowls. This includes teammate Ernest Jones IV, who claimed his second after winning with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.
FORMER UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS:
Robert Brooks Green Bay 1997
Emanuel Cook Baltimore 2013
Steve Courson Pittsburgh 1979-80
Brad Edwards Washington 1992
Nick Emmanwori Seattle 2026
Stephon Gilmore New England 2018
Alshon Jeffery Philadelphia 2018
Lemuel Jeanpierre Seattle 2014
Ernest Jones L.A. Rams 2022, Seattle 2026
Jamar Nesbit New Orleans 2010
Dan Reeves Dallas 1972
Sidney Rice Seattle 2014
George Rogers Washington 1988
Max Runager San Francisco 1985
Jay Saldi Dallas 1978
Duce Staley Pittsburgh 2006
Darian Stewart Denver 2016
Ryan Succop Tampa Bay 2021
Anthony Wright N.Y. Giants 2008
