Things got ugly for a minute when the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship, and that wasn't even what happened on the field. The moment had a direct connection to something cornerback Riq Woolen did, but one he shouldn't have.
In the third quarter, Woolen decided to taunt the Rams after he had broken up a pass intended for wide receiver Puka Nacua, and his trash talk led to a 15-yard penalty. Instead of 4th-and-12 for the Rams, LA had a first down. On the play that followed, quarterback Matthew Stafford hit Nacua on a touchdown pass against Woolen.
Part of the problem is that this wasn't the first time Woolen had chosen to spout off at the worst time. He had been called for taunting twice before this season, but he didn't learn his lesson. The impending free agent is capable of greatness, but his actions away from plays are a reason the team is unlikely to re-sign him.
Seattle Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori proves his leadership in talking to Riq Woolen
The sidelines after Woolen allowed the touchdown catch gave fans a glimpse of the true hierarchy of the team, though. Instead of head coach Mike Macdonald walking over to Woolen and yelling at him about the cornerback's poor decision, it was rookie Nick Emmanwori who gave the four-year veteran a stern talking to.
While Woolen looked bad for taunting, it was Emmawori's status that was clear. He was a second-round draft pick in 2026, and the Seahawks moved up to choose him. He was supposed to be the athletic Swiss Army knife of a player who would help Macdonald's defense go from very good to truly elite. That happened.
But the rookie has quickly become one of the leaders on the defense, a group that features a number of savvy veterans, such as Leonard Williams, Ernest Jones IV, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence and Williams are past 30 years old, though, so the team will need to replace them sooner rather than later, both in terms of on-field production and leadership in the locker room.
Mike Macdonald's team isn't going to need to look far for the latter. Nick Emmanwori is obviously ready to step into that role. The best part is that the defensive back isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He is under contract through 2028 and will probably be with the Seattle Seahawks for far longer. The same can't be said of Riq Woolen, who will likely leave in free agency.