While much of the nation has had all eyes on the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots for the past week ahead of the Super Bowl, the NFL recently honored a hometown player for his dedication to the game across 14 remarkable seasons.

On Thursday night in San Francisco, ahead of Sunday’s big game, Commanders’ linebacker Bobby Wagner was named the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year at the NFL Honors, the league’s most prestigious recognition for community service paired with on-field excellence. 

“[Bobby Wagner is] able to maintain this level of intensity that’s just remarkable,” said Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, highlighting the linebacker’s “consistency.”

First awarded in 1970 and renamed in honor of Payton — a Hall of Fame running back — in 1999, the NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes players who exemplify excellence on and off the field while making a strong commitment to give back to their communities. 

The recipient of the award receives up to $250,000 for a chosen charity, while each of the league’s 32 nominees receive up to $40,000 towards their philanthropic efforts. 

Wagner became the first player in Washington franchise history to receive such profound recognition since Hall of Famer Darrell Green in 1996.   

As a 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro, Wagner has recorded more than 100 tackles in every season of his career, setting a gold standard for linebacking greatness, a commitment to excellence shaped by the lasting legacy of his late mother, Phenia Mae Wagner, who died from stroke complications before he began his NFL journey as the Seattle Seahawks’ second-round pick in 2012.

**FILE** Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner makes a tackle in the Commanders’ 30-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in December 2024. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

In her honor, Wagner founded the FAST54 Phenia Mae Fund, partnering with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Cedars-Sinai, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Kaiser Permanente. The initiative supports stroke patients while advancing education and awareness around stroke prevention along with treatment. This effort is a reflection of Wagner’s lifelong commitment to service.

“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.” 

Walking in a Mother’s Legacy

Wagner turned the pain of his mother’s death into purpose. 

While playing for the Washington Commanders, Wagner completed the Howard University School of Business rigorous 18-month Executive MBA program in just 12 months, finishing in December 2025. He is scheduled to officially graduate from the program in May 2026. 

The Southern California native spent 11 seasons in Seattle, winning a Super Bowl while cementing himself as one of the greatest defenders of his generation. Over the past two seasons, he has brought the same leadership and passion to Washington, quickly earning the respect and admiration of fans in D.C. 

Over the course of his career, Wagner had been nominated four times for the Walter Payton NFL Man Of The Year Award.

The Super Bowl champion and 10-time Pro Bowler now stands among the league’s most impactful leaders off the field. 

As he received his award Thursday Night, Wagner stepped into the spotlight, not as one of the most enduring stars within the NFL, but as a son honoring his mother’s lasting legacy.     

“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…. 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.”