The Seattle Seahawks may have just found their next big-play weapon—and he's bringing a whole lot more than just speed.
When Emmanuel Henderson Jr. heard his name called in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the moment was everything he'd been working toward. The former Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver had a feeling he'd go on Day 3, but which team would take a chance on him? That remained a mystery until the phone rang.
"You could see from my film, I can take the top off any defense you put me against," Henderson said. "Not only that, that I'm a receiver that loves to play special teams. So, that's one of the great abilities I got to showcase, too."
And showcase he did. Henderson turned heads in the Big 12 this past season, earning All-Conference first-team honors as a returner and third-team recognition as a wide receiver. He also picked up an honorable mention for offensive newcomer of the year—not bad for a player who transferred from Alabama to Kansas for the 2025 season looking for more playing time.
Now he's headed to a Seahawks team fresh off a Super Bowl victory, and the opportunity couldn't feel more right. Not only will he reunite with some former Alabama teammates, but he'll also bring a versatile skill set that Seattle's coaches are sure to love.
Henderson points to his kickoff return for a touchdown against West Virginia as one of his favorite memories, but it's his special teams experience that he believes gives him an edge. Having played multiple roles there, he sees himself as a more complete athlete—one who can contribute in different ways as he fights for a roster spot.
As the offseason gets underway, Henderson's focus is simple: show his new coaches who he is, keep working, and prove that Seattle made the right call.
