History made: How six players of Nigerian heritage helped Seahawks win Super Bowl

The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl triumph was more than just a championship victory — it was also a historic moment for players of Nigerian heritage, with six athletes connected to Nigeria playing key roles in the team’s title-winning season.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Leading that group was wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whose breakout campaign helped power Seattle to a 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, delivering the franchise’s first championship since 2014 and marking a milestone moment for players of African descent in the NFL.

Smith-Njigba, who has Sierra Leonean and Nigerian roots, capped a remarkable season as one of the league’s standout performers. Although he recorded four catches for 27 yards in the Super Bowl itself, his influence throughout the season proved crucial to Seattle’s championship run.

The 23-year-old receiver enjoyed a record-setting campaign, becoming only the second player in NFL history to lead the league in receiving yards, win the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year award, and claim a Super Bowl title in the same season. The only other player to achieve that feat was Seahawks teammate Cooper Kupp in 2021.

Uchenna Nwosu

Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu has grown into one of Seattle’s most reliable defensive leaders since joining the Seahawks from the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. Drafted in the second round in 2018, Nwosu steadily built his reputation as a consistent pass rusher and disciplined defender before becoming a cornerstone of Seattle’s defense.

Known for his high motor and versatility on the edge, Nwosu has consistently delivered pressures, tackles for loss and key stops in critical moments. During the championship season, he provided veteran stability to a defense built on speed and aggression, often setting the tone in high-pressure games.

Coaches and teammates frequently credit Nwosu’s leadership and preparation as key elements behind Seattle’s defensive resurgence. Off the field, he is also active in community development programs focused on youth support and education.

Boye Mafe

Boye Mafe’s rapid development into one of Seattle’s most dangerous pass rushers has been central to the Seahawks’ recent success. Drafted in 2022 out of the University of Minnesota, Mafe entered the league known for his athleticism and explosiveness, but quickly refined his technique to become a complete defensive threat.

Born to Nigerian immigrant parents, Mafe’s journey reflects the growing pipeline of African heritage talent shaping the NFL. His speed off the edge and relentless pursuit created consistent problems for opposing quarterbacks throughout the season, helping Seattle close out tight games.

By the time the Seahawks reached the Super Bowl, Mafe had established himself as a core defensive weapon capable of changing games with a single play.

Nick Emmanwori

Safety Nick Emmanwori emerged as one of Seattle’s breakout young defenders, bringing physicality and versatility to the Seahawks’ secondary. Drafted in 2025, the former South Carolina standout wasted little time making his presence felt with strong tackling and intelligent coverage play.

His ability to play near the line of scrimmage while also providing deep coverage gave Seattle flexibility against both passing and running attacks. Coaches praised his maturity and football intelligence, rare qualities in a rookie defender.

For a player early in his professional journey, contributing to a Super Bowl-winning team marked a remarkable start and positioned him as a key defensive figure for the future.

Jalen Milroe

Quarterback Jalen Milroe entered the NFL after a high-profile college career at Alabama, where his athleticism and powerful arm made him one of college football’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Drafted by Seattle in 2025, Milroe joined a competitive quarterback room while developing his professional game.

Though not the starting quarterback during the championship season, Milroe’s presence provided depth and energy to the squad. His mobility and playmaking ability give Seattle long-term options as the franchise continues to shape its future offense.

Milroe represents the next generation of dual-threat quarterbacks, combining speed, strength, and leadership qualities that could define his future career trajectory.

Olu Oluwatimi

Center Olu Oluwatimi has built a reputation as one of the most technically sound interior linemen to emerge from college football in recent years. A decorated player at Michigan, where he won awards recognizing him as the nation’s top center, Oluwatimi brought intelligence and discipline to Seattle’s offensive line.

His role rarely grabs headlines, but his responsibility is critical: organizing protection schemes, controlling the line of scrimmage, and keeping the quarterback upright. Throughout the Seahawks’ title run, Seattle’s offensive stability owed much to strong line play anchored by Oluwatimi.

Teammates often highlight his calm presence and communication skills as essential to offensive success.