The connection between South Carolina athletics runs deeper than wins and losses. In a revealing appearance on The Pivot podcast this week, Super Bowl champion Nick Emmanwori pulled back the curtain on the relationships and moments that shaped his remarkable rookie season, offering particular praise for legendary Gamecocks women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
“Dawn Staley…She’s a GOAT”
When asked about receiving support from Staley, Emmanwori didn’t hesitate in his assessment, calling her a GOAT who has excelled both as a player and coach . The 22-year-old Seattle Seahawks safety expressed genuine appreciation for Staley wearing his jersey on the sideline during South Carolina’s matchup against Tennessee, describing it as a significant gesture that earned his deep respect EssentiallySports .
For Emmanwori, Staley wearing his jersey represented a full-circle moment, connecting his Super Bowl success back to the broader South Carolina community that supported him throughout his journey Rolling Out . The gesture carried extra weight given Staley’s status as one of college basketball’s most respected figures and her longtime devotion to the Philadelphia Eagles—making her decision to root for the Seahawks all the more meaningful.
The Draft Night Call That Changed Everything
Perhaps the most poignant revelation from the podcast centered on a pivotal conversation during Emmanwori’s nerve-wracking draft experience. When he unexpectedly slipped out of the first round, his girlfriend Raven Johnson—a star guard on Staley’s basketball team—was on FaceTime with the coach throughout the ordeal On3 .
Johnson was visibly distressed, repeatedly telling Staley she didn’t know what to say or do, expressing concern that Emmanwori was supposed to go earlier in the draft. Staley had to calm both Johnson and Emmanwori during that anxious evening.
The advice she offered proved prophetic. Staley told Emmanwori not to sweat it, reassuring him that he would end up with the team that needed him most and where he would fit best On3 . As events unfolded, those words couldn’t have been more accurate.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Emmanwori with the 35th overall pick in the second round, with only one safety—Georgia’s Malaki Starks—selected ahead of him On3 . What followed was a storybook rookie campaign culminating in a Super Bowl LX championship.
From Disappointment to Dominance
Emmanwori had every expectation of being a first-round pick after posting impressive combine numbers including a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and 43-inch vertical leap The Big Lead . The unexpected slide stung deeply.
On The Pivot, Emmanwori admitted feeling disappointed in himself for not going in the first round, believing everything he accomplished in college and at the combine should have convinced a team they couldn’t let him go. He acknowledged those general managers who passed on him likely regret that decision now.
The disappointment became fuel. Emmanwori arrived in Seattle with something to prove, and what followed exceeded even the wildest expectations, culminating in a Lombardi Trophy and Defensive Rookie of the Year consideration Rolling Out .
Building the “Dark Side”
Seattle’s defense earned the menacing nickname “Dark Side” this season, finishing as the NFL’s top-ranked unit by suffocating offenses week after week . Emmanwori broke down what made this defensive unit special, starting with unwavering trust in teammates.
Under head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks built a scheme demanding intelligence and adaptability, with Macdonald spending countless hours with Emmanwori breaking down film and walking through scenarios to accelerate his development Rolling Out .
The bond extended beyond the field. The podcast explored his connection with quarterback Sam Darnold, whose own redemption story culminated in a strong Super Bowl performance that proved heart and leadership can overcome critics Apple Podcasts .
A Support System Beyond Football
The conversation touched on personal moments that humanized the championship experience, including his mother’s viral Super Bowl week interview that captured hearts across social media Rolling Out . Emmanwori acknowledged the sacrifices required from loved ones when chasing championship dreams, expressing gratitude for those who stood beside him through every high and low Rolling Out .
Central to that support system is Johnson, whose relationship with Emmanwori created the bridge to Staley’s mentorship. Staley explained on SEC Network that she roots for Emmanwori because he treats Johnson right, adding that anyone who treats her players well earns her unwavering support College Sports Network .
What’s Next
When asked about whether Seattle can repeat as champions, Emmanwori believes the foundation exists for another title run while understanding the challenges ahead Rolling Out . He’s proven he belongs among the NFL’s elite defensive players. The harder part, as he acknowledged, is staying there.
For South Carolina fans, the story represents something larger than individual achievement. It showcases how the Gamecock family extends beyond campuses and seasons, creating lasting bonds that celebrate success across all sports. When Emmanwori lifted the Lombardi Trophy, he wasn’t just representing Seattle—he was carrying the entire South Carolina community with him, with Dawn Staley cheering louder than anyone.
As Staley reflected on her draft night advice proving true with Emmanwori winning a championship in his rookie year On3 , one thing became crystal clear: sometimes the best victories are the ones we celebrate together, regardless of which uniform we’re wearing.
