Emanuel Wilson shines for Packers in first NFL preseason game on anniversary of father's death

On Aug. 11, 2009, Emanuel Wilson’s father, Manuel, passed away. He was 10 years old at the time and his football career was just getting started at the youth level.

After that day, though, Wilson wasn’t sure he could keep playing. But he remembered something his dad told him in the backyard before he died.

“Smurf,” his dad said, “keep working. Keep going.”

Wilson did just that, starring at Fort Valley State and rushing for 1,371 yards in 2022. He tried for the NFL Draft, but wound up signing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. They waived him in May, and the Green Bay Packers picked him up.

Friday night — 14 years to the day since his father’s passing — marked a new chapter in Wilson’s football journey. He played in the Packers’ preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals and had a great performance. He took six carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yarder, to help Green Bay to the 36-19 victory as he got his first taste of the NFL.

Prior to the game, he noted the date on social media.

“Today marks 14 years of the day my father was taken for me,” Wilson wrote with a blue heart. “Today is also my first NFL game and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to play on this day.”

Wilson’s career could have ended 14 years ago when he thought about stepping away from the field altogether since his father couldn’t be in the stands. But his mom and his faith helped him stay on track, and he had trouble finding the words about making his first appearance on the anniversary of his father’s death.

“Honestly, I just kept working,” Wilson said afterward. “Kept my faith in God. I really wanted to stop playing football after my dad passed. But my mom always tells me, ‘You can’t stop just because he’s gone. You’ve got to keep going. He’s always in your corner, always going to be there in the end zone.’

“Today, I can’t even really explain it. But I’m just blessed God gave me this blessing today. I was able to show the world what I can do today and also give thanks to Him.”

Green Bay has two more preseason games coming up against the New England Patriots Aug. 19 and the Seattle Seahawks Aug. 26. That means Wilson could have two more opportunities to make his case to the Packers to make the 53-man roster.

One thing’s for sure. He left an impression on his head coach.

“That was by far the best I would say he’s looked,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said, via SB Nation’s Jason Hirschhorn. Any time you rip off an 80-yarder, I’d say that’s a good deal. … It was a big night for him. Fourteen years ago, he lost his father. So I was really happy for him coming out in his debut and rips off over 100 yards and two touchdowns.”

It’s safe to say Wilson’s faith — and his mother — will be instrumental in his preparation with a roster spot on the line.