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This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
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Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast. And I just want to say I appreciate you guys. You can be getting your NFL content from anywhere, but you're here with me. I'm thankful for you. So hit that sub button so you can get the notifications when I'm dropping a new episode. All love. Hope you guys are having a great New Year's, accomplishing all your New Year's resolutions, and staying healthy.
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Mike just did a great job of just letting us be who we are and not changing up because it's a super. No disrespect to the Patriots or nothing like that. I don't want to take nothing away from them, but that game was like. That felt like I already knew in my mind, I was like, nobody was convincing me of anything. Whether, like, in my mind I knew I was playing regardless. I'm looking. I'm like 450. I'm like that. She more viral than me. I'm like that.
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Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast. And we got an incredible guest back in the building after getting a Super bowl win. Nick Emm Ward, cornerback, nickel safety, linebacker, everything for the Seattle Seahawks. Appreciate you, brother.
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Always, man. You know, glad to be back. Had a little. Little, Little chop, little chop it up obsession early in the year, so definitely wanted to come back and finish it, so.
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No question about it. Now tell me how you feeling after the celebration, the parade, everything that's going on this season? The last time we spoke to you, you know, a lot of uncertainty in the world. You've played a fantastic season. It. You saw the growth. At least I saw the growth throughout the year when. When things start clicking for you, you started to play fast, without hesitation, without doubt, and, boy, did you blossom. It was beautiful to see. But tell me how it went for you.
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Yeah, it was. It was amazing. Like you said, like the year. The year was just. I mean, written the perfect way. I wouldn't really would have wanted any other way. Like, all the ups, all the downs, the wins, the losses, it was just perfect. Like, it was perfect. Like something that you won't. Only the people in the building will definitely know what it felt like, but I think we definitely had to do this for this team was to get to this ring. I knew everybody in the building knew it, and anything other than the ring probably would have been a disappointment. But.
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Well, walk me through. We're gonna go step by step through the season, because when I talked to you in training camp, you know, it was. It was so new for you obviously, you just got to the league. You had such a big role in this defense and, And, And I think Mike was trying to make, you know, help you understand it in the most simple way. You know, he's trying to step by step explain it and put you in position. Then you get hurt. The first game, few plays in, you know, when you finally getting your legs under you, and then you come back with Avengers. Start. Start to try to get your legs under you. You're playing fast, you're running fast, but it seems like your role and your identity within the defense, like your confidence, you know, I remember you feeling like you didn't have a voice. You didn't. You know, you and rookies, don't you. You've seen and not heard. That's usually what the deal is. But hey, you go out there and put it on tape, they listen.
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Yeah, yeah, definitely, like coming in account and stuff, just being a rook. Like, no, it's my first year, so I'm just figuring everything out. And I guess like, with the, you know, the way the locker room was, the guys are still kind of meshing too. Like, everybody had relationships, you know, from the year prior, but, like, it's new relationships being built. So I was finding my way through all that and, you know, I definitely had to prove myself to my teammates and my coaches. What is what it felt like, what I was doing every day in training camp. So just going hard at training camp. I remember, like, sometimes I'm thinking like, you know, if I'm doing the right thing, not doing the right thing. Training camp is kind of like just. Or otas, whatever. It's just kind of like everybody's trying to figure out their own role. And like, I think it was like, it was just a different feeling, you know, just trying to get my face out there and just like, let everybody know and try to get the respect from the vets, the coaches. You know, it's a rookie that's just typical rookie things. But like you said, like, every training camp was great. And once we figured that out in training camp that, I mean, we had something on our hands as far as, like, we can do this with the defense. And I think that started, like, clicking early with my. Everything wasn't really fully ironed out, but even throughout the season, we're still adding stuff and doing stuff, but the. The potential and the outlook was definitely there. So, you know, got hurt. Got hurt saying fran game. And I feel like, you know, my hard work, everything I was working for in camp, you know, was leading up to this moment. And I got hurt. Like, the first game. First, like, you know, 10 plays. I don't think I played, like, maybe five. I don't know if it was 10, which was like, super crazy. Like, it was like a super disappointment as far as just like. Like, no, I'm about to wait to show the world and like, you know, licking my. You know, getting ready to do that. I know what I was getting ready to do. And then I just get, like, abruptly stopped from doing that. So that kind of like, just threw me off and, like, just coming back from that. So I didn't really get to show the coaches what I can do yet, like, because I. There's no tape that. I ain't put nothing on tape yet. It's just only for training, and that's practice. So, like, in game, I really haven't been able to show them. So the first game I ended up, like, really coming back, battling, like, really through is the Buccaneers. It's like the first game I was back and I was still kind of like, you know, a little battling that high ankle. So, like, the coaches didn't really know what to expect. So just putting me out there. I didn't really start that game, but I was like, going in and rotating out. Rotating in there wasn't really what we know our defense looked. And we missed a lot of dudes that game too. Like, Spoon was out, D Law was out. So we didn't really. The identity of our defense, what people know, it wasn't really there just due to injuries and just the worst timing. But it all ended up working out. So whenever I came back and it got acclimated, I think the Bucks was like, I made a couple plays in the Bucs, and I was like, starting to get my feet wet as far as just, like, feeling the game and just doing young players stuff. And then the Jags, I think I had like 11 tackles during the Jags. I was still kind of going battling through injuries. I wasn't even fully healthy. Like, still, like, feeling through the pain. But, you know, other than that, right when I. Right when my ankle stuff went away and, you know, the playbook was just coming back to me. I think Mike and them seeing exactly what I could do and how I add value to the defense and from there just kind of, you know, took off.
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Talk about your role on this defense in the different positions, I guess. You know, obviously for you it's just your same position, but it's in so many places. Like, I see you in pick stunts with the D line I see you covering receivers at times I see you in a half field and for me I see you in a slot covering. I see you covering running backs and for me those are all different positions. And I think for the outside world, like at times it look like you playing Sam linebacker in base and then at, at times it looks like you outside corner, at times you strong safety back deep. And then at other times you, you, you look like you in the, you in the, the scrape with the linebackers and finding a gap and getting downhill. So.
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Yeah.
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Did you see it that way.
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As far as like this year? Like you just saying like during this season? Yeah, I think, I think like coming in I wasn't really. What. Wasn't really sure what to expect. But like as the season progressed it was just like for me in my mind it was like I'm just doing stuff I know I can do. It wasn't like I never really done it or put it on film as much, but it's like I know if coach asked me to set the edge and get off the block and make a tackle or go guard this receiver or go guard this running back or this tight end and like I just feel like I can do it. So it's like he's just putting me in position and he's just making the game plan and scheming stuff. And then the players around me, you know, they just, they're elite too. So I'm doing pick stunts and figuring I'm learning stuff as I go and you know, I'm pretty good at it it and just figuring out I know I got some stuff. Like the work I got to work on in practice. Like I'm like really, you know, shout out to the coaches. I'll start with that. Like shout out to the coaches. For sure. Shout out to the coaches. Shout out to all my teammates. But definitely the coaches, they definitely. It just wasn't all Mike. You know, I can say that like Mike got a great staff and a great team that he got with him. So like, you know, I remember like having meetings with A.D. the defense coordinator, C.P. he's like our outside linebackers coach. KO linebackers coach and you know, working with K. Scott, Jeff Howard safety's coach. Like everybody had like a little plan for me as far as like in the meeting room and on the field. Like they all, you know, single handedly had like a hand of my success. Like so you know, you know, Mike was doing a lot but without the coaches like really buying in, like getting a specific plan from you, like whether it's an indy. Like, hey, you know, it's this, you know, 12 minutes, go work with AD and SCP and pass rush stuff. And when the clock hits 10 minutes, go to KO and do some linebacker stuff. And so I'm literally bouncing from each. Each indie group and then bouncing from each meeting room. Like, I kind of, like, had to do individual meetings in the morning and by myself just to stay on top of stuff. But, you know, this is just stuff I wanted to do. So really shout out to the coaches and having a great plan and just go on with the flow. I believe in.
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But shout out to you. Shout out to you to be able to. To. To. To take in all that information and go out there and still play fast. I don't think people understand how difficult that is. I mean, just going from group to group to group and being able to process that information, take it in, go out on the field. Hey, I'm a linebacker this play. I got to remember my fits. I got to remember my alignment. Hey, I'm a safety display, all right? Who am I communicating with? Where am I at on the field? Am I half field? Or what's the checks? What's the movement? Where does the motion send us? Like, you playing in real. Three different universes.
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Yeah, it's crazy because, like, that's just exactly how it feels. Like, subconsciously in my mind, I'm, like, thinking, like, yeah, like, I am, you know, playing edge and going to linebacker. Like, it doesn't really. Like, it's not on the top of my mind, but it's like, it's there. Like, you know, I got to, like, change mindsets. Like, I got to literally, like, know what I'm doing, who I'm communicating to, if I'm communicating to D. Law or then next play, maybe I got to communicate to EJ Next I got to communicate to Jew or Kobe. Like, so it's like I'm talking to all three V levels and just working with all three. So it's like, I kind of got to know, you know, you got to know everything, but as far as just, like, shifting mindsets and shifting gears, that's, you know, that's something I got to stay on top of.
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Bro. It was so cool. I forget which game it was, but you ran a pick stunt where you ear hold the guard. It might have been a guard or the tackle, but you ear hold him. Somebody came around and got a sack. And you look so excited. You just to be. You know what I mean? To be part of that, you know, to just not that, hey, this is my play. And, man, he got the sag, man. I'm mad he got sag. You was just as happy as for him and to. To make that happen for your teammate as you were when you made the play and talk about that chemistry and that. The way you guys celebrated one another throughout the season.
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Yeah, this defense and this team in general, but especially on the defense because, you know, we. We got starters on all. Even our backups could be started on the other NFL teams. So it's like everybody was just super selfless and like, you know, just actually generally just wanted to see the other player win. Like, you know, like, we really in this together. Like, if I got to do a pick stunt for him or if I got to, you know, do whatever, if I got to decoy or move around and, you know, everybody gonna get their turn to eat, everybody gonna get their chance. But it's like, I didn't feel that at all from the defense. I never felt like somebody was, like, chasing plays or chasing stats. It just felt like we was out there just, well, one mindset, one goal, like, swarming the ball. Kick ass. Like, just, you know, take, take, take it. You know, take this game to another level. So we never play with any type of, like, me me type of mentality. It was just. It was weird, though, because we never even had to talk about it. Like, you know, some people got to talk about it. Some coaches, I've been a part of teams, you know, some people got to bring it up and, you know, but we never had to bring it up. We never had to talk about it. It was just. This is how it was like, naturally. So it was cool to see that.
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So let's go into these playoffs because, you know, y' all killed the Niners the first game and really set the tone in that game. Y' all just total domination. Then you get the matchup with the Rams that everybody expected to see. Everybody felt like, that would be the Super Bowl. And I. I, in my mind, that was your creme de la creme. That was your swan song. That was like. That was your arrival onto the national scene, that, hey, this. This is the one y' all need to be watching for. I think you guarded Puka. One play, pbu. Devonte. One play, pbu. You was on the running back. I thought you was in the stands selling popcorn and beer. I thought I saw you as an attendant in the bathroom. You look like you was everywhere in that game. Talk me through your mindset going into it, because I've never. I can't say never, but it's rare that you see a rookie come into a playoff game and take over the way you did in that game.
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Yeah, that. That was definitely a cool moment. And I just remember just being in my zone that game. Like, it was just, you know, I was in the zone, and, like, that's just. You know, I feel like I'm just like, you know, that. That game. And I'll probably say, like, the Atlanta game was probably the two games. I just felt the most, like, you know, like, I'm just in the zone. I'm focused. I'm doing everything. But it was just, like, natural. Like, you know, whatever's in the scheme, whatever's in the playbook, you know, I've just flawlessly kind of like, adjust to it, and I can just make those plays. So it was like, you know, I'm guarding the running back, making the play, guarding Puka in the slot, guarding devontae Adams, like, you know, the dudes that you. And then, you know, playing Ed, saying the edge, you block getting off that. Megan. So it was just. I was just really in the zone that game, and we were just focused. Like, I was just, like. It was just a different feeling like, that. Like, you said, no disrespect to the Patriots or nothing like that. I don't want to, you know, take nothing away from them. But that game was like. That felt like, you know, like, that game was, like, legit. You know how it is with the rivalries. Like, the Rams, they come in like they. Stafford, you're a hell of a quarterback. McVeigh always got a hell of a play land. But that game was definitely different. It was. It was. It was a different type of game. It was live. I was. I was in my zone. I. I was focused, you know, so, yeah, you.
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I mean, you. You had two tackles for loss. You had three PBUs, and it's just the versatility and coverage that I don't think people appreciate it's hard for corners to guard Puka and Devonte straight up and that's the only job we got. They guard these dudes and you have a hard time for you to be like, hey, I'm in the, I'm in the linebacker room, I'm guarding the run. I'm, I'm, I'm doing pick stunts. Then I'm switching over to straight corner, straight. I got this dude in coverage and then thriving at it.
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Bro.
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They're going to have to make a new position in the pro, in the all pro team for, for, because I don't know where they gonna put you.
A
Yeah, for sure.
B
They can't just put you as a straight up safety.
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I've been, I've been saying like, like I, you know, like I played, I played a game lots on Madden. They kind of like got me as like a, they got a cornerback card for me. You know, some people like, you know, is he a safety, is he a nickel card? They only know where to grade me. They don't know where to give like my, my votes for if it's pro. They're not really sure where to put me and stuff. So it's like, I definitely agree with that. But you know, on the other hand, I think it's just, you know, I know it's exciting for me because I can definitely like, can't wait to go to the off season and put the work in because I know I'm just like scratching the surface. Like, you know, you know, I'm thinking of like my prime, like, how can I get to my prom? In my mind, like, this is just stuff that I'm putting together. But you know, when I put everything together as far as like the coverage and the pass rush and the, you know, the playbook and just seeing the game, you know, it's just, you know, that's what I'm, that's what I'm looking forward to. So.
B
So am I. And, and it feels like you're in a perfect place to maximize your skill set to maximize what you do and you the perfect player. It's like a, a really cool relationship. I can't wait to see what you do because I remember how much growth I had from my rookie year to my second year. I mean, I was all pro my second year because of just how the, the game. Once you play at a high level, your rookie year, it almost feels like just like you guys were saying after the game, you want to keep playing right now because you're in rhythm. Like, it makes sense to you. Seeing the looks you need to see. Like, your body's feeling good. You're like, bro, I. I can play for a long time and just never lose sight of that. Never lose sight of. Of watching the film, getting better, having those morning meetings. Because the moment, stuff like that becomes too routine, and you get too complacent with, like, I don't need the morning meetings no more. I. I'm good. I'm. I already know what I'm doing. Like, then it. Then it's gone. The magic's gone. The. The advantage is gone. The. The. The step above that you have over people is gone. But walk me through the super bowl, because that one. That one just looked like a buzz saw against the tree. You know, that I was at that game, and it didn't seem like y' all did nothing crazy special. I mean, y' all did the same disguises. Y' all kept sending spoon on that blitz, and they had no answers for it.
A
Yeah, that the super was definitely experience, you know, especially, like, just being there. And then, you know, I got hurt that week. So, like, that Wednesday practice, you know, I got hurt. So it was like. That was a lot like, you know, for me especially, it was a lot like. But it was like a. A good. A lot almost. It was like a, you know, just another super bowl story. Like the. You know, the same story they had, we know, with Cam, just knight 49, just, you know, something that we just needed to talk about. So, you know, like, getting hurt throughout the week, that kind of like, you know, just like. Like shook up the. You know, nobody wants to get hurt. I'm super bowl weekend. For any player, whether it's me, player on offense, defense, like, special team, it doesn't even matter. So, like, anybody getting hurt kind of, like. So they kind of definitely shook up the practice a little bit. And, you know, Eric probably, like, kind of checking up on me and, like, you know, definitely had to make some decisions. But, you know, when I got my imaging back and stuff, like, you know, it was no pressure for them put on me as far as, like, you gotta play. Cause it's Super Bowl. It was just. The doctor was telling me what it was. He was like, this is what you got. He didn't pressure me about nothing. Then. It was just like, everything's up to you stuff. It was a low ankle sprain, so definitely can play on those. It was totally different from a high ankle, so I already knew in my mind. I was like, nobody was convincing me of anything. Whether in my mind, I knew I was playing regardless, especially when the doc told me it was good news and everything was cool. So they had a shout out to them, shout out to the training staff, the docs. They had a great plan, great rehab, you know, made sure I wasn't thinking too much about it, and everything worked out. So, yeah, that was on that note. But as far as the week in preparation, I think Mike just did a great job of just letting us be who we are and not changing up because it's a Super Bowl. Not buying into the antics as far as, like, doing stuff at practice, like, taking a big halftime break and. Or doing anything as far as, like, that could just make us, you know, like. I think Mike did a great job of just letting us know, like, this is the same regular old week. We don't need to do nothing else, nothing different, and just go out there and be us. And it showed. And prip and show throughout the weekend. Dudes are just super loose, super focused, and just, you know, that's what it looked like.
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It looked like one team on the Patriots side was happy to be there, you know, excited for the season they had. And. And rightfully so. They had a really good season. A surprising outcome. Y' all was there to handle business. They were. They look like nameless, faceless opponents. And y'. All. It didn't really matter who was out there. It could have been the good Lord and his son and the disciples, and it seemed like y' all was gonna have a good chance to win that game. Walk me through as y' all were going through it, because there was this clip. There's this. This picture out there where with, I think, Mike talking to you and maybe spoon and drawing something on the sheet or something. Y' all just look so locked in.
A
Yeah, me and Kobe.
B
Yeah, you and Kobe. That's who it was.
A
Yeah, I. I don't even remember them taking that. That's. That. That's how crazy football is. Like, you just never, like, really remember the moments. People really catch you just going through the flow. But I think it was right before we were coming off, going out on the field. You know, Mike always like, Mike, Mike real, man. He, like, you know, this is my first year, so, like, I'm just. I got to, you know, see the game firsthand, but I'm trying to. I can't really compare right now, but I just know that Mike, he just take his job, like, with real seriousness and respect, and, like, he just got a different love for the game. So he's Always adjusting on the fly, whether it's on the sideline at halftime, like, he makes actual halftime adjustments. Like he's talking ball. So right before we go on the field, like he's talking ball. Like, he's just breaking stuff down and just want us to see a look. And so we, you know, we just locked in, like, you know, with Mike talking, we just locked in and what he's got to say. Cause, like, it's some good information. It's like a nugget. Go out there and make you a play.
B
So all one person I don't think gets enough credit and really balled out in that game and nobody talks about him is Josh Joe. That boy was backside working. And a lot of y'.
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All.
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I don't know what y' all calling it, but it looked like y' all in six, and the safety's three to X opposite. And you got the single isolated on the backside. And he was standing up. He had K. Sean Booty in a. Some of these. The Shackles talk about him and the growth that you've seen from him because that's when a lot of things changed. When. When Spoon went down, Reek was down for a little while. And it was. It was. I think it was Kendricks and. And Joe out there a lot, and Job was. I mean, I think I saw incredible growth from him. And then after everybody came back, Job just stayed in the lineup. He stayed around, stayed in the rotation. And really, there was a stat out there where Reek and Spoon and Jobe all, like, giving up 2.3, 0.4 yards per reception, just strapping. And I think. I don't think he gets enough credit.
A
Yeah, we got a bunch of unsung heroes on his defense. One, but the team, for one, like, the whole team, from offense to special teams to defense, it's a bunch of unsung heroes. But it's like, it's great for us. But Joe been locked in all year. Honestly, even in training camp, I'll be honest. Like, that's what I'm saying. Like, this season kind of, like, was. No season is ever, like, extremely planned because, you know, it'd be kind of weird, you know, But I think the season just kind of fell into what it is, like, as far as, like, training camp. You know, we got three corners. So, like, as Mike is trying to figure out how we gonna implement meaning of defense and figure out how we gonna move around. We got Spoon, Jobe, and Reeks on training camp, it's like, how we gonna. How we gonna Figure this out, like, who won't play. And it's like, almost like, not really competition, but, like, you can think about it, especially as older player in the league. So I think Mike did a great job in just figuring out the scheme. Like you said, we got three corners giving up, and that's on third down. So it just gives us an advantage to have three good starting caliber corners that can play and do any job. But Joe is like, he been lights out backside. He gonna step up there, he gonna press you, he gonna give you a hard time every rep, and he gonna just keep going and keep fighting. So I think it played out perfect. Like, you know, it probably wasn't all wrinkled out early on, but, like, once we figured out, like, once we hit that, once everybody came back healthy and we figured out what we was trying to do boot, and it was just. It was. It was. You know, it made it hard for teams on second and third down.
B
Every year, every game, every, every week, every week, y' all made it tough on them. And then we gotta talk about your mama. Your mama got famous this week, but a lot of people don't. And I don't want to offend her. I don't want to get this wrong. She's Nigerian.
A
Yeah.
B
Yeah. Because that's what all my boys was like, hey, a Nigerian mama, she don't care nothing about these sports. She's just disappointed you wasn't a doctor. So y' all talking about super bowl and all this? Yeah, y' all ain't gonna impress her. It didn't seem like she was impressed, but she was having a good time.
A
Yeah. Like, the thing about that, man, my mom, she just. She's like. She is super, super funny person. Like, you know, we had a lot. We're very similar. You like to laugh like a joke, but my mom, like, she just super, like, you know, like, super confident. Super, like, you know, just thinks highly of herself and anything she's doing. So I love that about her, and I take a lot from her, but I think she went viral, and I just didn't really. I didn't know nothing about those interviews, you know, which, you know, it's just. Things just happened. But when they came out, like, she went viral, and I'm like, no, like, maybe, like, local virus. Like, maybe a couple likes, you know, maybe like 10k, 15k. I'm looking. I'm like, yeah, 450 cal. Like that. She. She more viral than me. I'm like, dang.
B
It was everywhere.
A
Yeah, it was. It was crazy. And she don't really know. She not. She older, so she's not really too into the social media. So I was telling her about it and she know, still being herself, like making me laugh. I'm like, this is crazy. Like my friends, my close personal friends who actually know my mom, like, bro, like, they don't even know. Like, that's how my mom been forever. Like the same way she was in the interview. Like, she, she didn't have moments with us just talking like one on one and I'm just dying laughing. But she's, she's great and you know, like, she, She's a big fan of sports. But like, I think it was just more of like, you know, her just. Just knowing like we're. What we're gonna do. Like, she wasn't really like, it was just more like her overconfident and just like just talking in, in. In the future, manifesting like that we're gonna go up there and handle. Handle business. It wasn't gonna be too much of like a big gang. Like it was, you know, so I think it was more of that and just not me being a doctor, a lawyer.
B
So don't, don't, don't be surprised if, if they come calling and actual mom to be in some commercials with you. Your mom was great and they. People love that. People that eat that stuff up. That's how big the super bowl is, boy. Yeah, it can send you off.
A
Yeah. So for soft.
B
So how did you feel? Because South Carolina showed you a lot of love. Dawn Staley was out there wearing your jersey. That had to feel good too.
A
Yeah, that. That definitely felt good. You know, it was. I know she was asking for one and I got. Got connected with a jersey. I don't know if like my jersey's like, sold out online or not. I'm not sure. But definitely wore it. Wore it on the sideline and it was pretty cool. You know, she. She's a, she's an Eagles fan, so you know that. I think that's. That she. She did. She did what she did, so she.
B
Definitely did what she did. Congratulations, brother. Bro, I'm so proud of you and hopefully we can have you back on here. We got to figure out an all purpose all pro award for them to give you to make sure that it encompasses everything you do. You know, they put even. Even with McDonald's defense, they compare you to Kyle Hamilton a lot, but Kyle does a different. A lot of different stuff than you do. You know, I mean, you guys both end up covering receivers and things like that, but there's some. Some similarities, but differences. So I, you know, if they gonna list you as a safety, then it's gonna be hard for any other safeties to get the spot. I mean, because you out there doing it all. But they'll. They'll figure that part out. We'll leave that to them to figure out. Congratulations on a Super bowl, on incredible rookie season and an incredible future.
A
Yeah, man. Appreciate it.
B
As always. I'm here if you ever need me, brother. But enjoy this offseason. Get back to work. You know, spend your time, you know, appreciating the work that you put in and the incredible season that you had. Because it's hard to have a rookie season. Like, it's gonna be hard to top this rookie season.
A
Yeah, that's something fake. I'm like, damn. Like, I'm like. It's this. This, like. It's like I'm at a. You know, from the team chemistry, the way the season ended and my, like, personal goals and stuff, it was just like, bang, bang, bang. So it'll be fun to definitely try to like, get there again. But, I mean, I think. I think we got the, you know, everything works out, I think we can definitely, you know, get everybody back that we definitely need and super important to go on another run. So I think it's possible.
B
Long as the work stay. Stay at the forefront, it'll. It'll work just like it should.
A
Yeah.
B
But I appreciate you, brother. I know you got got things to do and you could be anywhere, and you're here with me, and I. I appreciate you more than you know. If you ever need anything from me, let me know.
A
Yes, sir.
B
Appreciate it.
A
Yep. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Richard Sherman Podcast
Guest: Nick Emmanwori, Seattle Seahawks (rookie safety/linebacker/corner)
Host: Richard Sherman
Date: February 13, 2026
This episode dives into the Seattle Seahawks’ remarkable Super Bowl-winning season through the eyes of rookie sensation Nick Emmanwori. Sherman and Emmanwori discuss Nick's journey navigating his multifaceted defensive role, overcoming early adversity, the culture that propelled the Seahawks to a championship, and some heartwarming off-field moments—most notably, Nick’s mom becoming a viral sensation during Super Bowl week.
The tone is celebratory and collegial, with Sherman providing both veteran insight and genuine praise for his guest’s historic rookie season.
Season’s Journey:
Nick reflects on his rookie year as "perfect," embracing the challenges, setbacks, and ultimate triumph (01:47):
“The year was just… written the perfect way. I wouldn’t really would have wanted any other way—all the ups, all the downs, the wins, the losses, it was just perfect.” – Nick (01:47)
Training Camp & Early Injury:
Defensive Versatility:
Sherman praises Nick’s ability to line up as pick-stunting D-lineman, Sam linebacker, slot corner, traditional safety, and even outside corner—all in one defense (06:28).
Meeting Room Carousel:
Nick credits the coaching staff for specialized attention and his own commitment to individual morning meetings (08:05-09:17).
Mental Transitioning:
“Everybody was just super selfless… we never played with any type of, like, me-me type of mentality… it was just, this is how it was, like, naturally.” (11:23)
Niners & Rams Showdowns:
Seahawks dominated the Niners; Sherman calls the Rams game Nick’s “arrival onto the national scene” (12:35).
Statistical Dominance:
“You had two tackles for loss, three PBUs, and the versatility in coverage that I don’t think people appreciate.” – Sherman (14:34)
Breaking the Mold:
Sherman jokes about Nick needing a new All-Pro position to reflect his hybrid role:
“They’re going to have to make a new position in the all-pro team for you, because I don’t know where they gonna put you.” – Sherman (15:02)
Super Bowl Week Injury:
“Mike just did a great job letting us be who we are, and not changing up because it’s the Super Bowl… just go out there and be us, and it showed.” – Nick (18:07)
Adjustments and Focus:
“He’s always adjusting on the fly… talking ball… some good information. It’s like a nugget, go out there and make you a play.” – Nick (20:34)
Nick’s mom’s confidence and charisma make her a media darling during Super Bowl week (23:47):
“She’s more viral than me. I’m like, dang!” – Nick (24:16)
Sherman and Nick joke about Nigerian mom expectations (“disappointed you wasn't a doctor”) and the authenticity that endeared her to fans.
Hometown & College Pride:
Looking Ahead:
On overcoming a major setback:
“I got hurt…like the first game, first, like, 10 plays…I got hurt. Like, it was super disappointment. Like, no, I’m about to wait to show the world… So that kind of threw me off.”
– Nick (04:10)
Describing his unprecedented defensive workload:
“It's crazy…like, subconsciously in my mind, I'm thinking, like, yeah, I am playing edge and going to linebacker…I've got to change mindsets… I’ve got to know what I’m doing, who I’m communicating to… I’m talking to all three levels...”
– Nick (09:49)
On Seahawks’ selfless culture:
“Everybody gonna get their turn to eat, everybody gonna get their chance. But…I never felt like somebody was chasing plays or chasing stats. It just felt like we was out there…one mindset, one goal: swarming the ball, kick ass.”
– Nick (11:12)
Sherman on Nick’s playoff performance:
“You was on the running back…guarding Puka, one play, PBU, Devonte, one play, PBU…I thought I saw you in the stands selling popcorn and beer!”
– Sherman (13:04)
Sherman on redefining All-Pro categories:
“They’re going to have to make a new position in the all pro team…because I don’t know where they gonna put you.”
– Sherman (15:02)
On Mike Macdonald’s leadership style:
“I think Mike just did a great job…not changing up because it’s a Super Bowl. Not buying into the antics… just go out there and be us.”
– Nick (18:07)
On his mom’s viral moment:
“She more viral than me. I’m like, dang.”
– Nick (24:16)
The episode is a celebration of Nick Emmanwori’s transformative rookie year, capturing the blend of elite athleticism, mental toughness, and team-centered culture that led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl. Both Sherman and Nick keep it real—uplifting, reflective, and family-oriented—as they look back on “a season written the perfect way” and ahead to the possibilities of future greatness.