Sports
How Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori became Mike Macdonald's ultimate weapon
Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) reacts after a fumble recovery against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images SAN JOSE, Calif. — When Nick Emmanwori blows out his 22nd birthday candles on Saturday night on the eve of Super Bowl LX, there’s a reasonable chance the celebration will take place in one of the defensive position group meeting rooms in the San Jose Marriott and Convention Center.
From the seat of Seahawks general manager John Schneider and headset of coach Mike Macdonald, Emmanwori has been handing out gifts to Seattle’s defense for nine months and counting.
“My goal is a Gold Jacket,” Emmanwori said. “I want to be one of the greatest ever.”
As determined as Emmanwori is to get there, let’s backpedal to how he became a Seahawk.
With the clock ticking on the final picks of the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Seahawks general manager John Schneider was on the phone trying to find a trade partner.
One of the top players on their board, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, was still there in what Schneider considered a stunning turn of events given their vision of what the 6-foot-3, 220-pound hybrid defensive weapon could do in Macdonald’s defense.
Already the Seahawks had selected Senior Bowl star and North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel with the No. 18 pick.
There was no trade match for the Seahawks as a nearly consummated swap with the Philadelphia Eagles fell through, but Seattle had put in place a deal to move up.
“Everybody was passionate about getting him,” he said.
They’d be in position with the third selection in the second round to hit their home run with Emmanwori with the 35th overall pick. Schneider gleefully parted with picks 52 and 82 to take 35 from the Titans.
“If we would have come out of the draft without him, we would have been disappointed,” Schneider said.
A linebacker background combined with the safety transition at South Carolina was enough for the Seahawks’ scouting staff to be more than enamored with the possibility of pairing Emmanwori with 2023 first-round pick Devon Witherspoon. Then came the Scouting Combine and show-stopping numbers. His workout quickly became the stuff of legend. With borderline linebacker size, Emmanwori became the only safety in at least 23 years at the combine with a 4.38-second 40, a vertical of 40-plus inches (43) and a broad jump of at least 11 feet (11’6).
He didn’t mind telling peers at the Scouting Combine what he could do, even if they didn’t know the depths of his truth.
“I don’t think you’ve ever seen a safety like me,” he said at the 2025 Combine. “Well, there are a lot of dudes that came through this league, but a safety like me hasn’t come through this league for a long time. My size, my speed, my ability.”
As more eyes were opened to Emmanwori’s potential impact on the field with Witherspoon — the fifth pick in the 2023 draft — injuries stunted his push for a starring role early in the season.
Confidence was still off the charts from Schneider, Macdonald and defensive backs coach Karl Scott, the only holdover from Pete Carroll’s coaching staff. Schneider had the long view and context of knowing what a “Legion of Boom” secondary would potentially do for Macdonald, the defensive mastermind who calls Seattle’s defense. Macdonald, though, admits he didn’t fully digest what Emmanwori was capable of on the field.
His thought process to start training camp was to test Emmanwori while giving him time to absorb the pass-fail processes of daily workouts, linking him closely with Scott and safeties coach Jeff Howard to develop a mental processing and details-driven toolbox to pair with his natural athletic gifts.
And you know what? The 21-year-old was even better than the Seahawks thought he could be as a rookie.
By September, after missing three games with an ankle injury, Emmanwori was proving he had the intelligence to meet the demands of being cross-trained at multiple positions. He went to meetings and film sessions with multiple position coaches. Then regurgitated the Xs and Os like a 7-year-old taking an alphabet test.
Again, the player is not surprised.
His goals-driven approach and “be great” mindset are a literal application of training as the youngest of five boys in his home. Emmanwori’s parents are educators — his father teaches engineering and thermodynamics at South Carolina State — and allowed him to escape South Carolina and college football only with a solemn vow to earn his degree.
Macdonald shared openly he “never really had a player like him” and it was necessary to “make it up as we go” in the “Nickel Emmanwori” set with three safeties — Julian Love, Witherspoon and Emmanwori — on the field at the same time.
In 768 regular-season snaps, Emmanwori lined up in seven different positions. He played in 14 regular-season games and tallied 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 passes defended and an interception.
When Patriots quarterback Drake Maye began watching film of the Seahawks, he quickly discerned there’s a “Where’s Waldo?” element to reading Seattle intentions in pass coverage. On that resume tape: Emmanwori all but erased 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey as a receiver. He ran stride for stride with Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson in coverage on the same series he aligned at defensive tackle. Macdonald had him spy quarterbacks, blitz every gap on the line and play 20 yards off the line of scrimmage.
Then he asked Macdonald, what’s next?
“He can do everything,” Witherspoon said. “He’s smooth. He can run 4.3. He’s big. He can literally do everything.”
Emmanwori might sound confident or cocky, but teammates and coaches have a different perspective.
“I think he has approached us with a lot of humility and approached us, coaches and teammates, for advice,” Love said. “He always carries a chip on his shoulders. He is making plays.”
–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media
Sports
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Title Hopes Could Hinge on Jarrett Allen’s Health
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been fairly inconsistent throughout this entire season. Of course, a litany of injuries has played a massive role in this roller coaster of a season for the Cavs, but one injury seems to weigh the Cavs down more than others.
Jarrett Allen has felt like the odd man out in Cleveland’s rotation the last few years. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley always felt like the two cornerstones, while they hoped that Darius Garland and Allen could fit in as the next guys up in the starting lineup. We all know now that the Cavs felt that Garland wasn’t able to be consistent enough to be Mitchell’s backcourt partner, so they traded for James Harden.
His fit in Cleveland has been up-and-down, but when Harden has been paired with Jarrett Allen, it’s looked like a team that could contend in the East. Even before Harden made the move from LA, he had been playing some of the best basketball in his career. In the month of February, Allen averaged 22.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.1 stocks a game, well above his season averages. He was doing this as the lone man in the front court with Mobley down with a calf injury.
Unfortunately, the season of injuries continues for Cleveland, as Allen has missed the last eight games with a knee injury, and the Cavs have looked pedestrian at best in his absence.
Allen has missed 20 games this season, and Cleveland has only been 11-9 in those outings. On the other hand, they’ve been 33-18 when he’s played, averaging 4 more points per game and higher offensive and defensive ratings.
Most importantly, Evan Mobley has been at his best playing next to a true center in Allen. Cleveland has a +10.3 NET rating when both are on the court and a +5 NET rating when only one is on the floor.
Cleveland still has good value at +260 to come out of the East.
If they can enter the playoffs healthy, they’re still my team to beat in the East. We’ve only gotten to see Mitchell, Harden, Mobley, and Allen together on the court for 31 minutes this year, but they’ve been a +28 NET rating with insanely elite offensive and defensive metrics as well. Then, when you add Sam Merrill to that mix, they’ve had a ridiculous offensive rating of 164 in those limited minutes.
Cleveland hasn’t looked like a contender this year; however, we haven’t seen them at full strength yet. Don’t count out the Cavs just yet; this team could be deadly if they make it to the playoffs in one piece.
Sports
2026 NFL Mock Draft: First 12 Picks Predictions and Analysis
Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images The NFL Draft is one month away.
Pittsburgh will become the center of the football world as college stars cross the stage to start their professional careers.
There are currently five teams with first-round draft selections. Certainly, the first-round will be shaken up a bit more before it concludes – as teams will trade around throughout the duration of the draft.
Let’s take a look at how the NFL Draft will start.
1. Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza QB, Indiana
No brainer.
2. New York Jets, David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The bad news for the Jets is that there’s not a quarterback worth taking in this slot. The good news is that they have plenty more picks and Bailey is a stud pass rusher.
Even though he might never become a player like Myles Garrett, the Jets will take whatever they can get, and Bailey is one hell of a player.
3. Arizona Cardinals, Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
University of Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. talks at Media Day during the College Football Playoff on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur knows how good the AFC West is. You’re nothing without a stout defense. Bain Jr. changes everything for the Cardinals – who need a little bit of talent everywhere.
4. Tennessee Titans, Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This could end up being the best player in the draft. The last time the Titans were good, Derrick Henry was unstoppable. This selection would take an unbelievable amount of pressure off of Cam Ward, which should be the objective.
5. New York Giants, Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Styles stole the show at the NFL Combine. When you turn on the tape, you see a tremendously complete linebacker.
New Giants head coach John Harbaugh might not be able to help himself. The Giants invested in a linebacker in free agency, but that’s never a guarantee.
6. Cleveland Browns, Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia
The Browns need everything offensively. A potentially franchise-changing left tackle is a great place to start. Freeling might need a little development so No. 6 overall could be a reach, but the Browns desperately need to address this spot.
7. Washington Commanders, Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Tyson and Terry McLaurin would be a dynamic receiving tandem. While Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is expected to be the first receiver drafted, the Commanders are in a spot to gamble on upside while Jayden Daniels is on his rookie deal.
8. New Orleans Saints, Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Saints can’t help themselves from drafting another Ohio State wide receiver. Tate at No. 8 overall is a tremendous value – even if he doesn’t have the early-career success of Emeka Egbuka.
9. Kansas City Chiefs, Jermod McCoy, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
It’s no secret that the Chiefs need immediate cornerback. Insert McCoy, who would immediately get thrown into a major starting role.
10. Cincinnati Bengals, Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Bengals need to continue to invest in protecting Joe Burrow. Lomu is arguably the best offensive lineman in this class.
11. Miami Dolphins, Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs for a first down before he is stopped by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30), defensive back Rod Moore (19) and defensive end Cameron Brandt (9) in the second half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images The Dolphins desperately need wide receiver help after trading Jaylen Waddle and seemingly letting Tyreek Hill walk in free agency after releasing him. Lemon could be a game-changer with Malik Willis.
12. Dallas Cowboys, Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Arguably the best player in the draft, Jerry Jones lands himself a defensive star. The Cowboys would be tremendously lucky to be able to make this pick.
Sports
March Madness History: Origins, Records, and Greatest Moments
It is that time of year when fans across the globe fill out their brackets and keep track of every game. March Madness started last week, but I am not here to give you live coverage.
Instead, I will delve into the history of the event, covering its origins, player/team/state performances, and some of the greatest teams to play.
Now, the tournament goes all the way back to 1939, when eight teams competed for a national championship with the finals taking place in Evanston, Illinois. The Oregon Webfoots defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 46-33.
How was March Madness named?
The name “March Madness” was coined by Henry V. Porter, who was a former Illinois High School Association official.
He felt it matched the excitement the tournament offered nationwide when writing about it in an essay. It was not until 1982 that the name was used on television when Brent Musburger used it. However, Musburger told the Rich Eisen show that “It stems from the Illinois State basketball tournament, and a car dealer in Chicago… It was accidental. Obviously, it stuck, and it is a great description.”
When you tune into a game, there is always an instrumental that welcomes you to the contest. In 1992, CBS Sports held a contest to determine what its next NCAA tournament telecast would be. Bob Christianson won and developed the melody during a cleaning frenzy. It has not been changed since, but there have been meetings about it that never garnered traction to replace it.
Why a perfect bracket is so difficult
In the history of March Madness, nobody has been able to fill out a perfect bracket, and the odds are nearly impossible. There is a 1 in 9.2 quintillion chance of being perfect. The closest anyone has gotten was in 2019, when Gregg Nigl had 49 correct game predictions. Purdue’s win busted the bracket, but it stands as the longest streak in the tournament’s history.
When it comes to appearing in the championship, the lowest seed to win was #8 Villanova in 1985. Three No. 11 seeds made it to the Final Four, but all of them lost, with the most recent being NC State in 2024. The Saint Peter’s Peacocks are the lowest seed to reach the Elite 8 as the No. 15 seed, beating Kentucky, Murray State, and Purdue. They lost to UNC by twenty, and were led by Doug Ebert, who transferred in the off-season to the Bryant Bulldogs.
Three No. 15 seeds have made it to the Sweet Sixteen: Florida Gulf Coast, Oral Roberts, and Princeton. One upset was #15 Lehigh beat Duke 75-70, where guard CJ McCollum put up 30 points. He now plays in the NBA for the Atlanta Hawks.
Historic upsets
During its nearly century-long existence, only two No. 16 seeds have taken down a No. 1 seed. UMBC decisively beat Virginia, 74-54, in 2018. It would take five years for the feat to be accomplished again. Farleigh-Dickenson University took down Purdue 63-58 in a game where the Knights clamped down on Zach Edey and the Boilermakers. FDU is the first 16 seed to win a second game after being in the first four. This past Thursday, Siena became the first 16 seed to have a double-digit lead over a No. 1 seed when they faced Duke. They made no substitutions until there were ten seconds left, and lost by six.
There are plenty of Cinderella stories in March Madness, but what about the powerhouses?
UCLA holds the record for most tournament titles with 11, followed by Kentucky at 8 and UNC at 6. On the flip side, some teams have played in the big dance but never won. Boise State has lost 10 games, which is the most by any University that has appeared. Eastern Kentucky and Colgate are among the other teams that have not won yet.
The most points scored in a March Madness game by a team was 149 by Loyola Marymount in 1990.
Austin Carr dropped 61 playing for Notre Dame, which was the most ever in the tournament by a single player in the year. The Fighting Irish beat Ohio University in the Regional Quarterfinals in 1970. This tournament has highlighted several superstars along the way. Bill Walton scored 41 points in the title game, while Carmelo Anthony holds the record for most points in a Final Four with 33 in his freshman year with Syracuse. Perhaps the most famous example is Stephen Curry’s run with Davidson in 2008. Curry led them to the Elite Eight as the No. 10 seed, scoring over 100 points in four games. One last performance that flew under the radar came in 2012 when Anthony Davis recorded a record 29 blocks with Kentucky.
Best March Madness coaches
Let us see how coaches have fared. Tom Izzo holds the longest-tenured streak of appearances in the tournament with 28. The Spartans have won one title in that timespan and appeared in eight Final Fours. Only Rick Barnes (30) from Providence and Coach K (36) from Duke have been to the Dance more times.
The only two states that have never had a team appear in the tourney are Alaska and Maine. Alaska does not have a D1 men’s basketball team, and the University of Maine has never made it either. Maine competes in the American East and is among 37 teams in the country to have never competed at the Big Dance.
There are plenty of late-game theatrics when it comes to March Madness. In total, there have been 47 buzzer beaters, with Kris Jenkins clinching the three to win the title for Villanova in 2016 being one of the most iconic.
Lastly, 20 teams have entered the tourney unbeaten, and seven won it all. This includes San Francisco, UNC (who won in triple OT), and UCLA, which has done it four times. Indiana is the last team to have a perfect season, way back in 1976. Gonzaga entered the tourney in 2021 undefeated and lost in the title game in 2021. Baylor spoiled their perfect season, winning by sixteen.
Once the buzzer sounds and the confetti comes down, there is a song that takes place. Called “One Shining Moment,” it was composed by David Barrett. Barrett had an exchange with a waitress about the ‘poetry of basketball’, and after she left, he began writing the song down on a napkin. The song was originally meant for the Super Bowl, but made its debut in 1987 at the tournament. It has changed many lives, and is now a tradition at the end of every tournament to be played.
Looking at the tournament this year, there have already been some interesting stats. High Point’s guard Chase Johnston hit his first two-point FG of the year, which was the game-winner against Wisconsin. Siena would have been the first team since 1979 to play all their starters for the whole game, but made a substitution with ten seconds left. It was too late as Duke escaped a scare. Nebraska earned its first two March Madness wins in school history and has a Big 10 showdown with Purdue this Friday. Miami of Ohio made it into the tournament despite having zero Quad-1 wins. Texas is the last double-digit seed remaining in the tournament.
This is March Madness, where dreams come true, and the powerhouses look to cement their legacy. Who will have their “One Shining Moment” at the end of the year, and what other upsets will happen? Keep on watching as the Sweet Sixteen kicks off this Friday.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Title Hopes Could Hinge on Jarrett Allen’s Health
2026 NFL Mock Draft: First 12 Picks Predictions and Analysis
