By Thomas Grant Jr.
Before playing an NFL game, Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori has already made league history.
Last week, the former Irmo and University of South Carolina safety became the first number 35 pick in the NFL draft to sign a fully guaranteed rookie contract. He inked a 4-year, $11.6 million contract that includes a $5 million signing bonus.
“Showtime” is how Emmanwori announced the deal on social media. He’s scheduled to report to the Seahawks on Wednesday.
“I’m super excited for the season,” Emmanwori said after signing. “I don’t want to put too many expectations on myself, but I can feel there is definitely something good brewing, and just the team energy feels good going into camp.”
Because of his size and athleticism, Emmanwori is expected to be utilized in various defensive roles.
“First thing is the vets in the room are really leading him, and they’re doing a great job of setting the expectation, bringing him along,” Seahawks’ head coach Mike Macdonald said. “He’s understanding he’s a rookie, but ‘Hey, let’s go. You’re with us, but there’s a certain standard that you’re going to have to abide by.’ Nick has the humility to do that and to operate that way. But to his credit, we’re giving him a lot. The bullets aren’t live yet. That’s the next step for him is to show it he can handle it in those type of situations. He’s going to be able to do that He’s really poised. He has a great — he just understands ball, and again, he really likes the process of doing football all the time, and Jeff (Howard) is doing a great job with him coaching him all the time. Really pleased.”
Major Taylor signs
Irmo defensive end/linebacker Major Taylor and family
A current Yellow Jacket made news this week with a different nature.
Defensive end/linebacker Major Taylor announced his plans to sign with Yale University.
“Academics are a big part of my life,” he said. “My parents always instilled it in me. They told me to get good grades, so I did. Football is a huge part of my life. It’s one of the biggest parts. I love both.
“People and the players there, I like the environment. I like that they have a good chance of winning. They have a great program. They’re one of the best schools in the country. I’ll get a great degree and do a lot with that.”
Taylor had 38 tackles, five sacks, and an interception for the Class 5A Division II runners-up last season. Fellow Ivy League schools Brown and Princeton were also on Taylor’s final list.
(Feature Photo courtesy of Seattle Seahawks) Nick Emmanwori signs NFL contract
