If you watched the Green Bay Packers beat the Bengals Friday night, you're probably asking yourself this question: Who the hell is Emanuel Wilson?

Wilson, an undrafted rookie from Fort Valley State, started off his NFL career with a very memorable stat line. He finished the game with 6 carries, 111 yards, and 2 touchdowns – including an 80-yard touchdown run.

What makes this performance even more special, is that it came on the anniversary of his father's passing. Wilson's father was killed 14 years ago, to the day of his son's performance. 

Wilson was an undrafted free agent, and he didn't even play division one college football. So if you're like most of America, let me take the time to give you his background.

Emanuel Wilson's early life

Wilson grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended North Mech High School. Where he would go on to attend Fort Valley State University, a Division II school. 

In two years of playing time at Fort Valley, Wilson rushed for 2,206 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. 

After his senior year, he was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's Player of the Year, as well as offensive player of the year, after rushing for 1,371 yards and 17 touchdowns on 209 carries.

Emanuel Wilson in the NFL

Wilson entered the 2023 NFL Draft and unfortunately, he went undrafted. The Denver Broncos ended up signing him, but they cut him just three days later.

That is where his Packers story arc starts.

Where does Emanuel Wilson sit with the Packers after his big night?

The Packers signed Wilson on May 22 and he joined a crowded backfield that includes the duo of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, along with reserves Patrick Taylor, Tyler Goodson, rookie Lew Nichols III, at the time.

Considering the roles of Jones and Dillon, the Packers don't really need to carry more than three running backs on their roster. In fact, they carried just two on the initial 53-man roster, last year.

The Packers have since added Nate McCrary to the mix, so it's five guys competing for one roster spot, essentially. Therefore, Wilson obviously has to have a great camp/preseason.

It's certainly safe to say Friday night's performance has him right in the mix for the RB3 job. Nichols is still nursing a shoulder injury and McCrary played five snaps and rushed for 13-yards on four carries. Goodson also left the game early with an injury and remains to be seen how long he's out, if at all.

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

The key with Wilson is whether or not he can make an impact on special teams. The Packers have been clear that the ability to play teams is a big factor in winning the RB3 job.

Wilson recorded exactly zero special teams snaps on Friday night. So, it'll be interesting to see if the Packers throw him in the mix on teams. If they do, then Wilson will have an even better opportunity to win a roster spot. 

There's a path to the job. Wilson just has to keep pushing through and he could very well find himself on the final 53.

Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK