Undrafted Sooners continue to find unique ways to make headlines in the NFL, and while some might not always enter the league with first-round hype, their stories often leave a lasting mark.

One of the latest players to capture attention is Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, not only for his on-field potential but also for the number he chose to wear No. 3, a jersey steeped in Seahawks history thanks to Russell Wilson.

Though Emmanwori was a high draft pick and not an undrafted player himself, his story is a reminder of how many Undrafted Sooners have carved paths in the league by honoring tradition, seizing opportunity, and making their own legacy.

A Jersey Number That Carries Weight

Few numbers in recent Seahawks memory carry the weight of No. 3. Worn for a decade by franchise legend Russell Wilson, that jersey became synonymous with elite quarterback play, nine Pro Bowls, and a Super Bowl championship.

Naturally, it raised eyebrows when Emmanwori, a second-round pick out of South Carolina, became the first Seahawk since Wilson’s departure to take up the number.

What sets Emmanwori apart is his reason for the choice. Although he originally hoped to wear No. 7, which he sported in college, that number was already taken by linebacker Uchenna Nwosu.

Instead of settling for a random alternative, Emmanwori made a deliberate decision to wear No. 3 a number deeply tied to the legacy of the team he now calls home.

“I kinda was looking for single digits. (No.) 7 wasn’t available, so I was looking at the next number that could mean something to me,” Emmanwori shared. “Russell Wilson’s one of my favorite quarterbacks growing up… Respect to Russell.”

Undrafted Sooners and the Culture of Legacy

The NFL is full of traditions, both spoken and unspoken. Wearing a number once donned by a legend is one of those traditions that speaks volumes, even when it isn’t officially retired. Emmanwori’s decision shows a level of respect and self-awareness that’s rare in rookies.

Much like many Undrafted Sooners who enter the league with everything to prove, Emmanwori knows he has to earn the right to wear that number on the field every Sunday.

The story echoes similar moments in Seahawks history. Take offensive lineman Grey Zabel, Seattle’s 2025 first-round pick, who will wear No. 76 a number previously worn by Hall of Famer Steve Hutchinson. Before choosing the number, Zabel made sure to ask for Hutchinson’s blessing, showing a shared culture of reverence among the team’s young talent.

While Emmanwori didn’t consult Wilson directly, his admiration was evident. “He did a lot for this organization,” he said. “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.”

Earning It on the Defensive Side

Unlike Wilson, who made an immediate impact as a rookie quarterback after being picked in the third round of the 2012 draft, Emmanuel comes in as a defensive stalwart. He won’t be throwing touchdown passes or leading game-winning drives, but he aims to make the No. 3 meaningful in an entirely new way by anchoring the Seahawks’ defense.

That goal fits well with Seattle’s rich tradition of hard-hitting defense, once embodied by the famed Legion of Boom. For Emmanwori, who admired both Wilson and that dominant defensive unit as a fan, it’s about bringing both those influences together on the field.

In doing so, he reflects the same spirit many Undrafted Sooners have shown—taking the tools available to them and forging a name by honoring the past while embracing the future.

Looking Ahead: The Opportunity and the Challenge

While Emmanwori may not have entered the league with a chip on his shoulder in the way some undrafted players do, the pressure to live up to a number with so much meaning is real. It’s not just about what’s stitched on the back of the jersey—it’s about how the person inside of it performs.

The parallels to Wilson’s own journey are striking. Wilson wasn’t expected to start as a rookie. He was drafted after many other quarterbacks. Yet he defied expectations. Now, Emmanwori has the chance to do something similar, albeit on the other side of the ball.

Ultimately, this moment isn’t just about one player or one number. It’s about what these choices represent respect, ambition, and the drive to carry tradition forward while crafting new stories. Much like the Undrafted Sooners who’ve gone on to thrive in the league, Emmanwori is positioning himself not just to fill a jersey, but to redefine it.

Expert Editorial Comment

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, every choice from draft picks to jersey numbers tells a story. Nick Emmanwori’s decision to wear No. 3 is more than a nod to Russell Wilson; it’s a declaration of intent.

He’s not just honoring a legacy he’s determined to build his own. Much like many Undrafted Sooners, Emmanwori embodies grit, respect, and the drive to leave a lasting impact. As the season unfolds, fans and teammates alike will be watching to see how he transforms a legendary number into a new symbol of defensive excellence.