“I cannot be up here and not talk about my mom,” Wagner said. “She is and will ever be my rock. She’s the reason why I’m standing up here. She’s a person that had confidence in me when I didn’t even have confidence in myself. A quick story: I had one job before the NFL. Just one; I only had it for about a month — I got fired. But she kind of pulled me aside, and she was asking me after I got fired, like, why was I working? And I told her I was working to help her and help the family out. And she told me, ‘No, I really feel like you can make it to the league, and I want you to focus on that.’ And she said, ‘I got you.’ And those words always ring in my ear. You know, every time I try to help somebody, every time I see somebody in need, I say I got you. Because we are.”
Wagner’s a Southern California native who has endeared himself to fans in D.C. over the past two seasons and Seattle, having played 11 seasons and won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks franchise. Though recognized on Thursday night, Wagner’s philanthropy and history of giving back to the community has been a hallmark of his decorated career. Over his career, Wagner has been nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year four times.
Viewed as the NFL’s most esteemed honor, the NFL Man of the Year award debuted in 1970, with iconic Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas winning. The award recognizes an NFL player for his outstanding community service along with excellence distinction on the playing field. In 1977, Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton was the recipient. The award was renamed in the Hall of Famer’s honor in 1999, the same year the revered Payton died at 46 due to bile duct cancer.
The winner of the award receives up to a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice, while each of the 32 club nominees receives up to a $40,000 donation to his chosen charity.
Wagner is the first Washington player christened NFL Man of the Year since Hall of Famer Darrell Green in 1996.
Having been recognized for his outstanding play for nearly every autumn of a phenomenal career, Wagner’s been a pillar of greatness off of it for just as long during his NFL tenure.
On Thursday night, the centerpiece of so many defenses through the years took center stage as a deserving champion of the NFL — right along with mom.
“She’s not able to be here, but she lives through me, and everything I do is for her, and I honor her every chance that I get,” Wagner said. “Her love and support is the reason why I’m standing here, and I wouldn’t be here without her. So, again, every time y’all see my face, every time y’all see me do something, y’all consider us cool or dope, just know that it’s her — and I’m in the flesh. She’s not here right now, but she’s here through me. And so, there’s no way that I can accept this award without saying you are really thanking her. So, thank you guys.”