Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner's Biography

Bobby Joseph Wagner, born on June 27, 1990, is widely celebrated as an esteemed American professional football player. He currently plays as a linebacker for the Washington Commanders, an acclaimed team competing in the National Football League (NFL).

Before entering into his professional career, Wagner developed his football prowess as a student-athlete at Utah State University. Competing for the Utah State Aggies, his remarkable performance in college football saw him being picked up by the Seattle Seahawks. His selection came about in the second round of the momentous 2012 NFL draft. Apart from the Seahawks, Wagner was also part of the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

Wagner’s skills on the football field have earned him significant recognition, with many commentators labeling him as one of the finest linebackers in the illustrious history of the NFL. Testament to his abilities, he is a respectable member of the esteemed NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Wagner’s sparkling career has been adorned with several victories and accolades, including a triumphant campaign at Super Bowl XLVIII as part of the Seahawks in 2013. Acknowledging his excellence, he is a nine-time Pro Bowler, a ten-time All-Pro selection (featuring six first-team selections), and a three-time NFL tackles leader. Beyond the numbers and honors, Wagner has left a substantial mark in the NFL, leading all active players regarding career tackles. In 2023, Wagner added the Art Rooney Award to his impressive list of accomplishments.

Wagner discovered his passion for football early in life, playing for his high school team in California. He attended Colony High School in Ontario, where he was recognized for his developmental journey from novice to Titan on the high school football team. In 2007, he registered 125 tackles (92 solo, 33 assists), including four sacks as a senior. He doubled up as a tight end, tallying 37 catches for 595 yards and 11 touchdowns.

His remarkable performance in high school reflected his growth and talent. Wagner received all-CIF Central Division honors and all-Mount Baldy League accolades. After leading the Titans to a CIF division title, he was named to the All-San Bernardino County team and earned second-team California Division 2 all-state honors. Despite his potential being only acknowledged as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, Wagner rose above the limited interest. Overcoming the odds, he received his only college offer from Utah State.

Formally stepping onto the football field in 2008, Wagner’s tenure at Utah State University extended until 2011. As a four-year starter, he showcased his talent and consistency through an impressive record of 445 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and four interceptions. Honoring his exceptional performance, he was declared the WAC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2011, after recording another 147 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions.

Following his successful university campaign, Wagner transitioned his football career to the mainstream stage. On January 14, 2012, he accepted his invitation to play in the esteemed 2012 Senior Bowl. Impressing coaches and comfortably blending into the diverse team, he solidified his reputation as a star linebacker. His professional escalation saw him participating in the NFL Scouting Combine and impressing with his athletic prowess during Utah State’s Pro Day.

His agility and football smarts were noted by NFL draft experts and scouts, predicting Wagner’s rise to the second round of selection picks. His performance in the NFL draft was indeed commendable, with the Seattle Seahawks taking him under their team umbrella during the second round (47th overall) in the 2012 NFL draft. Following the draft, Wagner kickstarted his NFL career on a high, signing a four-year, $4.30 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. The contract importantly featured $2.51 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.57 million.

Embracing the challenges that came with his role in the Seahawks, Wagner encountered competition for the vacant starting middle linebacker role against Barrett Ruud and Matt McCoy. Demonstrating his worth and consistency through his stellar performance during training sessions and matches, Wagner was named as the starting middle linebacker by Head Coach Pete Carroll.

In the first match of his professional career, Wagner left an indelible mark. He debuted on the Seahawks’ season-opener at the Arizona Cardinals, recording four combined tackles. The following weeks saw Wagner recording impressive statistics and progressively improving his performance on the field. Particularly noteworthy was his skill in sacking rival quarterbacks, intercepting passes, and defending against the other team’s offensive pursuits.

Despite a turbulent rookie season laden with highs and lows, Wagner emerged on top with 140 combined tackles (87 solo), four pass deflections, three interceptions, and two sacks. His successful rookie year saw him ranked as the best rookie linebacker and the second-best inside linebacker overall in 2012 by Pro Football Focus (PFF). His hard work and skill matured into a coveted position in the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Wagner’s second professional season proved no less successful than his first. The 2013 season saw Wagner emerge as a vital player under new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Missing two games due to a high ankle sprain, he returned with the same fierce determination, recording impressive stats in games that followed. Celebrating his hard work, PFF recognized him as the 61st best player in the league.

Wagner reiterated his position as a crucial player in the Seahawks’ lineup in 2014. Despite facing tough competition and even injuries, Wagner’s performance landed him a spot in his first Pro Bowl and a First Team All-Pro title. His brilliant season resulted in an MVP vote from Tony Dungy, acknowledging the significant impact on the Seahawks’ performance in his presence.

The football maestro continued to leave an indelible mark on the NFL landscape during his 2015 season. The season brought him his second Pro Bowl and a second-team All-Pro selection. Recognizing his stellar performance, the Seahawks rewarded him with a four-year contract extension worth $43 million.

2016 was another year of excellence for Wagner. He broke the single-season franchise record in combined tackles, once again affirming his crucial role in the Seahawks’ lineup. His performance earned him pro-bowler consideration for the third year running and a distinguished place on the First-team All-Pro.

In conclusion, Bobby Wagner’s relentless pursuit of excellence and stunning record makes him one of the most formidable linebackers in NFL history. With his counting victories and accolades, he continues to demonstrate his superb ability and dedication to the sport of football.