NFL jersey numbers are stealing the spotlight right now. New players are picking their numbers as teams lock in final rosters. For many, the choice is personal because they want to honor football legends. Others go with numbers that hold special meaning in their lives.
While some rookies, like Abdul Carter, face challenges securing their desired numbers, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori had no such trouble. He quickly claimed a number once worn by Seattle legend Russell Wilson. Emmanwori expressed deep respect for the iconic quarterback when asked about his feelings.
Nick Emmanwori Embraces Russell Wilson’s Number With a Defensive Mission
Emmanwori is set to wear jersey No. 3 when he takes the field. That number once belonged to legendary quarterback Wilson. Now, Emmanwori wants to give it new life—this time on defense. He respects what Wilson did for the Seahawks, but he’s ready to write his own story in that number.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, who is wearing #3 for Seattle, says he respects Russell Wilson and wants to make the number special in his own way, on defense.
“He did a lot for this organization. He did everything he could. So, I’m gonna do what I can… pic.twitter.com/uDnBipNYb3
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 3, 2025
Wilson led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win, was named to nine Pro Bowls, and played a huge role in the team’s success. The 35th overall pick understands the weight that comes with No. 3. Nick said, “He did a lot for this organization. He did everything he could. So, I’m gonna do what I can in this number and make it special on defense in my own way.”
Interestingly, No. 3 wasn’t his first choice. Emmanwori was hoping to wear a single-digit number—specifically No. 7. But it wasn’t available. So he looked for the next best option.
“I kind of was looking for a single digit,” he explained. “Seven wasn’t available, so I was looking at the next number that could mean something to me.”
What makes Emmanwori’s story captivating is the role he plays. Unlike Wilson, who was a quarterback, Emmanwori is a safety. He’ll bring a fresh identity to the number on the defensive side of the ball.
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It will be exciting to see how he makes No. 3 his own while strengthening his safety position.
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