WASHINGTON (7News) — Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner only played for two NFL franchises prior to coming to D.C. last season, and both were on the West Coast.
Wagner, who grew up in Southern California, went to Utah State and spent his first 12 seasons in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, said it’s “well-documented” that he was skeptical about moving out east at 33 years old.
A year later, and after signing a one-year contract for $9 million to re-up in D.C., he said he doesn’t regret it one bit.
“Walking around the city, the love that I’ve gotten over the course of a year has been truly special,” Wagner said last Wednesday at mandatory minicamp. “When you create a relationship with people — not just the players, but the coaches and, like I said, the city — this was a very, very fun time.”
The Commanders won 12 games last season for the first time since 1991. They also won their first playoff game since 2006.
Wagner was a big part of that. He provided a veteran presence that helped propel Washington’s defense to new heights, posting a team-high 132 tackles, including 75 solo.
The linebacker has also tracked the continued development of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Wagner said Daniels is “definitely hungry” and is going to be “fun to watch again” in year two.
With all those factors in mind, Wagner is excited to run it back in D.C. — this time with Super Bowl aspirations.
“I think it would be really cool to bring a championship here,” he said. “I want to be a part of that.”