Commanders’ Bobby Wagner named NFL’s Man of the Year.

Commanders LB Bobby Wagner during Washington’s Week 5 road win over the Chargers (Courtesy of All Pro Reels)

The NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award is considered the league’s most prestigious honor. Bobby Wagner just added that accolade to his already wildly impressive resume.

The Washington Commanders linebacker and 11-time All-Pro selection received his spotlight moment Thursday night at the “NFL Honors” award show in San Francisco, site of Super Bowl 60. The Payton “Man of the Year” award recognizes “NFL players who excel on the field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game.”

Wagner, only weeks after becoming the third player in modern NFL history with at least 2,000 tackles, delivered a powerful acceptance speech about the inspiration he drew from his late mother. Phenia Mae Wagner passed away from a stroke three years before Bobby was drafted into the NFL.

The NFL issued a press release about the latest Payton honoree.

Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders Named 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

Corporate Communications NFL Honors Social Responsibility and Community Relations 2025

Feb 05, 2026

NEW YORK – Feb. 5, 2026 – The NFL announced today that Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders has been selected as the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide. This award is the league’s most prestigious honor, recognizing NFL players who excel on the field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game.

The announcement was revealed during NFL Honors presented by Invisalign, an annual primetime awards special that aired nationally on NBC and NFL Network this evening.

Wagner joins an illustrious group of Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winners, including last year’s honoree Arik Armstead, as well as Pro Football Hall of Fame members such as Darrell Green, Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, and many more.

“Bobby Wagner’s storied 14-year career has been defined by leadership, consistency and impact both on and off the field, serving his community through meaningful and intentional service,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Bobby represents the very best of the NFL, and we are proud to name him as our 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.”

Throughout his 14-year career, including stops with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders, Wagner has established himself as a leader on and off the field. As a Super Bowl XLVIII champion, 11x All-Pro selection (6x First-team, 5x Second-team), 10x Pro Bowler, and 4x Walter Payton Man of the Year club winner, Wagner is one of the most celebrated linebackers in NFL history. Since joining the league in 2012 as a second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks, Wagner has played in more than 200 games, becoming only the third player in NFL history to amass 2,000 career combined tackles. Wagner’s career has been defined by consistency, recording at least 100 tackles in each season he’s played since entering the league.

Off the field, Wagner has consistently used his platform to uplift others in meaningful ways, including through mentoring young athletes, supporting families in need and raising awareness around important health topics. Wagner has translated personal loss into purpose through initiatives like FAST54 and the Phenia Mae fund to raise awareness around stroke prevention. The fund, named in honor of his late mother, and FAST54 have become the cornerstone of his advocacy for stroke awareness, education, and patient support nationwide. Through these initiatives, he has educated thousands on stroke prevention while funding critical care, therapies, and emotional resources for patients and families.

Wagner has also made youth empowerment a priority through his Tackle Everything Tech Tour, exposing high school and college students to careers in technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. Through programs that connect underserved students with leaders at companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Andreessen Horowitz, he has opened doors to opportunity and helped shape the next generation of leaders.

More recently, Wagner has expanded this impact through focused action across the Washington, D.C. area, centering his efforts on health awareness and youth empowerment. In 2025, he launched a groundbreaking partnership between the Phenia Mae Fund and Children’s National Hospital to support the hospital’s pediatric stroke program, providing financial assistance, rehabilitation resources, and support for ongoing research and education. He personally ensured the success of the hospital’s Fight Strokes F.A.S.T. campaign, spent time with patients and staff, and created unforgettable moments for young stroke survivors by welcoming them as special guests at a Commanders home game.

This past season, he also expanded the Tackle Everything Tech Tour, guiding students from Prince George’s County and Howard University through immersive experiences with leading technology and venture capital firms. These efforts reflect Wagner’s commitment to creating access and opportunity in the communities where he plays.

As part of Wagner’s recognition, the non-profit of his choice will receive up to a $250,000 donation, made possible by the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.

Prior to the kickoff of Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, on Sunday, Feb. 8, all 32 Man of the Year nominees – each of whom was recognized as their respective Club Man of the Year winners – will be honored on-field for their contributions to the game and their communities.