On a chilly February night, shortly after hoisting the Super Bowl LX championship trophy with the Seattle Seahawks, safety Nick Emmanwori found himself reflecting not on his own heroics, but on a college basketball legend who had crossed paths with his life in a most unexpected way. In a moment that surprised many fans, Emmanwori publicly called Dawn Staley a “GOAT” not for her connection to football, but for her impact in the world of basketball.
The praise came during an appearance on The Pivot Podcast, where the rookie sensation was asked about the viral image of Staley — the Hall of Fame coach and icon of women’s basketball — sporting his Seahawks jersey on the sidelines of a University of South Carolina women’s game ahead of the Super Bowl. Emmanwori didn’t hesitate. “Dawn Staley… she’s a GOAT,” he said, highlighting her long career both as a player and a coach. “The fact that she gave me that little shout out, wore my jersey on the sideline, that was definitely like, big ups… She’s a great person, and she’s got all the swag and all the personality that she needs, so a lot of respect for that.”
At first glance, this might seem like an odd compliment — a football player lauding a basketball coach — but the connection runs deeper than most casual observers realize. Emmanwori’s journey to NFL stardom began in Columbia, South Carolina, where he played collegiately at the University of South Carolina from 2022 to 2024 before being selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Seahawks. His girlfriend, Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson, played under Staley, which helped forge a unique bond between the rising NFL star and the legendary coach.
Staley isn’t just any coach. She is one of the most decorated figures in women’s basketball history. A former standout point guard at the University of Virginia, she went on to star professionally and internationally, winning three Olympic gold medals and earning multiple All-Star honors before transitioning into coaching. As head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, she transformed the program into a national powerhouse — tallying multiple SEC titles, consecutive Final Four appearances, and several NCAA championships.
Her influence extends beyond wins and titles. In addition to her athletic achievements, Staley’s legacy includes being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, a testament to her contributions to the sport on a global stage. What makes Emmanwori’s recognition especially compelling is not just Staley’s résumé, but her willingness to embrace and support the athletes around her, even when they cross into entirely different sports.
The Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory — a 29–13 win over the New England Patriots — marked a stunning end to Seattle’s season and a remarkable start to Emmanwori’s professional career. But his acknowledgment of Staley’s greatness adds a human dimension to the celebration, one rooted in respect, shared experiences, and the intertwining of athletic journeys.
For Staley, whose coaching career has already solidified her in the conversation of all-time greats, the endorsement from a Super Bowl champion — applauding not just her accomplishments but her character — is a reminder that true greatness is felt as much in personal impact as in championships. Whether on the hardwood or the gridiron, the echoes of her influence continue to resonate far beyond the boundaries of her sport.
