Emmanuel Forbes Bio
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (born January 13, 2001) is an American professional football cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Standing about 6 feet tall and weighing roughly 183 pounds, he is known for his ball-hawking instincts in the secondary. Forbes holds the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) record for most career interceptions returned for a touchdown with six, a mark he set during his three seasons at Mississippi State University.
Selected 16th overall by the Washington Commanders in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, Forbes entered the league as one of the most decorated defensive backs in Mississippi State history. After a brief and uneven stint in Washington, he was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams in December 2024 and continues his professional career on the West Coast.
Early Life and Background
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was born on January 13, 2001, in Grenada, Mississippi, where he grew up immersed in youth sports. He often played quarterback in local youth football leagues before attending Grenada High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. On the gridiron, Forbes lined up at cornerback and wide receiver, recording 49 tackles and eight interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, while also catching 31 passes for 499 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver. He added a punt return and a blocked field goal return for touchdowns on special teams, showcasing the versatility and scoring touch that would later define his college career.
Recognized as the second-best prospect in Mississippi’s 2020 recruiting class, Forbes signed a National Letter of Intent in December 2019 to play college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He had also drawn junior college offers to play baseball, reflecting his two-sport athleticism growing up in Grenada.
Path to Professional Football
Forbes arrived at Mississippi State as a highly regarded recruit and quickly made his mark on the Southeastern Conference (SEC). As a freshman in 2020, he earned SEC All-Freshman honors after recording 45 tackles and five interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns, immediately establishing himself as a playmaker in the Bulldogs’ secondary.
He started every game as a sophomore in 2021, posting 59 tackles and three interceptions while earning Second-team All-SEC recognition. As a junior in 2022, Forbes was named a Consensus All-American and a First-team All-SEC selection after recording six interceptions, three of which he returned for scores. Across his three college seasons, he compiled 14 career interceptions, fourth-most in Mississippi State history, and set the FBS record with six pick-sixes.
Emmanuel Forbes Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Forbes’ early career at Mississippi State set the foundation for his reputation as a turnover-forcing corner. He set school records for the longest interception return at 90 yards, accomplished at the 2020 Armed Forces Bowl, and for the most interception yards in a season with 183 as a freshman. His ability to read quarterbacks and break on the football made him a fixture in the Bulldogs’ defensive backfield from day one.
By the end of his junior season, Forbes had built a résumé worthy of first-round consideration. His combination of production, instincts, and return ability distinguished him from most draft-eligible defensive backs in the 2023 class.
Washington Commanders Era (2023–2024)
Forbes was selected by the Washington Commanders with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, becoming the only cornerback drafted since 2000 to weigh under 170 pounds at the NFL Combine. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $15.4 million on July 22, 2023. His slender frame drew frequent discussion among analysts, but his college production justified the early selection.
Forbes recorded his first career interception in just his second NFL game, a 35–33 win over the Denver Broncos. The season included uneven moments, including criticism for his coverage of A. J. Brown against the Philadelphia Eagles and a benching after blown coverages against D. J. Moore of the Chicago Bears. He was ejected in the first quarter of a Week 10 game against the Seattle Seahawks for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Tyler Lockett and was fined $15,563.
Following the 2024 season opener, Forbes underwent surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. He later recorded his second career interception against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. On November 30, 2024, the Commanders waived him midway through his second season.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2024–Present)
On December 2, 2024, Forbes was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams, providing him a fresh start in a different defensive scheme. He joined a Rams secondary known for developing defensive backs and offered him an opportunity to reset his professional trajectory.
On May 1, 2026, the Rams declined the fifth-year option on Forbes’ contract, making him slated to become a free agent after the 2026 season. As of the 2025 campaign, he continues to compete for a role in the Los Angeles defensive backfield.
Driving Style and Strengths
Forbes is widely regarded as a ballhawk cornerback whose anticipation and acceleration allow him to undercut routes and create turnovers. His strengths include quick reactions, return skills after interceptions, and the versatility to contribute on special teams. Building a strong rapport with his defensive coordinator and position coaches in Los Angeles will be central to unlocking his next professional phase.
Notable Events and Milestones
The signature milestone of Forbes’ career remains his FBS record of six career interceptions returned for touchdowns, set during his time at Mississippi State. His first NFL interception, recorded against the Denver Broncos in 2023, marked his arrival at the professional level, while his 2020 Armed Forces Bowl 90-yard interception return remains one of the most memorable plays in Mississippi State history.
Emmanuel Forbes Career Highlights
Across his college and professional career, Forbes has built a résumé highlighted by turnover production, including an FBS-record six career pick-sixes and 14 total interceptions at Mississippi State. In the NFL, he has recorded multiple interceptions and continues to add to his stat line with the Los Angeles Rams.
College and NFL Highlights
As a Mississippi State Bulldog, Forbes earned Consensus All-American and First-team All-SEC honors in 2022, Second-team All-SEC recognition in 2021, and SEC All-Freshman distinction in 2020. His 90-yard interception return at the 2020 Armed Forces Bowl stands as the longest in school history, and his 183 interception return yards as a freshman set a single-season school record.
In the NFL, Forbes opened his career with an interception against the Denver Broncos in 2023 and later added a second career pick against the Carolina Panthers in 2024. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded 95 tackles, 5 interceptions, 31 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.
Other Performances
Beyond football, Forbes showcased his athletic versatility by participating in a celebrity softball game at Classic Park in June 2023, reflecting the multi-sport background he developed growing up in Grenada, Mississippi.
Emmanuel Forbes Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is the second-youngest of three siblings. He is known for wearing several necklaces, most featuring the Christian cross, both while playing sports and during daily activities. His father gave him his first necklace after closing out a win as a pitcher in a championship baseball game, a tradition he has carried into his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. enters the 2025 NFL season continuing his role with the Los Angeles Rams after being claimed off waivers in December 2024. He looks to build on a professional stat line that includes 95 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 31 pass deflections through the early stages of his NFL career.
Working within the Rams’ defensive scheme, Forbes has an opportunity to expand his role in the secondary and add to his interception totals. The Rams’ track record of developing defensive backs provides a strong environment for him to refine his craft and re-establish himself as a reliable corner at the professional level.
Looking ahead, Forbes is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2026 season following the Rams’ decision to decline his fifth-year option. His 2025 performance will be pivotal in shaping his long-term outlook and determining his next professional opportunity.
