Emanuel Wilson, a former running back for Fort Valley State and Johnson C. Smith, is staying with the Green Bay Packers. Wilson’s exclusive free agent rights were owned by the Packers, so he was unable to negotiate with any other teams. According to Josh Alper of NBC Sports, they repatriated him and punter Daniel Whelan under those rights. According to Spotrac, a website that tracks sports contracts, the HBCU product signed a one-year contract worth $915,000, despite being unable to bargain with other players.
Emanuel Wilson got his first contract with the Denver Broncos during training camp after graduating from college. Eventually, he made it onto the Green Bay team, supporting Pro Bowler Aaron Jones and backup running back AJ Dillon. Wilson didn’t get a lot of playing time this season, but when he did, he performed well. In the Packers’ 20-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Wilson had four carries for 43 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown run, in what was perhaps his best performance of the rookie season.
Before the Packers’ season-ending matchup with the Chicago Bears, which had significant playoff implications for Green Bay, Wilson addressed media. After Jones was hurt, reporters questioned Wilson about his lack of opportunities.
“The most important thing is to stay prepared, that’s what he told me,” he stated. It was difficult, just because I had the chance to go out there and demonstrate my abilities. To be honest, I found that particular situation to be quite difficult. That day, I sobbed. I was alright the following day since I knew I would have another chance. I get to watch my family watch me play, so it will feel amazing. They have been anticipating it.
In the playoffs, the Fort Valley State alumnus was given more of a task after Dillon sustained an injury. In the NFC Wild Card game, Wilson gained 20 yards on eight runs vs the Dallas Cowboys. He had four recorded carries for 16 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. He also managed 11 yards on an out-of-the-backfield pass reception. When Wilson hurdled over a 49er defender during one of his runs in that game, it became a highlight.
Wilson played at Fort Valley State University for two years as a running back before his highlight-of-the-playoffs hurdle. Wilson gained 2,086 yards and 22 touchdowns in 16 games as a running back. In 2022, he had a very successful year, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns. In 2022, he also developed into a more potent danger at wide receiver, hauling in 20 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Wilson started as a Johnson C. Smith Golden Bull before transferring to Fort Valley State. He ran 159 times for 1,040 yards and 13 touchdowns in his lone season in 2019. For 86 yards, he also caught 13 passes.
