South Carolina football product signs history-making NFL contract

On Thursday night, South Carolina football All-American Nick Emmanwori made some major history. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Emmanwori and the Seattle Seahawks, the organization that drafted him with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, agreed to a fully-guaranteed rookie contract. That marked the first time in NFL history that pick No. 35 has received a fully-guaranteed deal. The move demonstrates the NFL’s shifting philosophy regarding drafted players. The NFL rookie scale for the 35th selection is estimated between $10.6 million and $11.6 million over four seasons.

The move showcases the Seahawks’ commitment to Emmanwori as a future cornerstone of their franchise. The former Gamecock followed up a standout career in Columbia with an elite NFL Combine showing, demonstrating his upside and versatility as a player. Seattle has given the rookie some first-team reps this summer, as Emmanwori could factor into the defense at safety, nickel, or even dime linebacker.

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Emmanwori has already endeared himself to his new fan base. Earlier this offseason, he declared that he couldn’t wait to “lay a dude out” against the rival San Francisco 49ers. That, coupled with head coach Mike MacDonald’s assertion that “expectations are high” for Emmanwori, has Seahawks fans excited to watch his debut on August 7th against the Las Vegas Raiders in NFL preseason.

During his South Carolina football career, Emmanwori was one of the best safeties in team history. He led the Gamecocks in tackles twice, in 2022 and 2024. By the time his career concluded, he had developed into an elite player on the back end, as well. Emmanwori was a Freshman All-American before earning a spot on nearly every All-American list as a junior in 2024.

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