In less than one week, Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes makes his NFL debut against the Arizona Cardinals. But before the No. 16 overall pick takes the field for his first game, he returned to his alma mater Saturday for Mississippi State’s season-opener against Southeastern Louisiana.
It was an emotional day in Starkville as the Bulldogs honored the legendary Mike Leach, who died in December. Leach had called Forbes one of the greatest players he’d ever coached.
Buy Commanders TicketsBefore Mississippi State kicked off, Forbes gave his former teammates a pep talk.
Coach Forbes got the boys ready to play#HTTC x #HailState 🐶 pic.twitter.com/5g8Uhr4wtJ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 3, 2023
Forbes’ speech must have worked as the Bulldogs cruised to an easy 48-7 win in the opener.
The SEC Network caught up with Forbes and asked him what everyone should expect from him during his rookie season.
“I usually don’t like telling my goals, but I plan on winning defensive rookie of the year and being the best teammate I can be honestly and helping my team win games,” he said with a smile.
The Pick-Six King is back in StarkVegas 👑@emmanuelforbes7 @HailStateFB pic.twitter.com/DvvPSnTko9
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 2, 2023
There are many who like Forbes’ chances at winning the NFL defensive rookie of the year award in 2023.
