Bobby Wagner

When the Seattle Seahawks drafted Bobby Wagner in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a good player, but they could not have imagined just how good he would become. Now, nine years later, Wagner is one of the best linebackers in the NFL and the heart and soul of Seattle’s defense.

Wagner, born on June 27, 1990, grew up in Ontario, California. He played high school football at Colony High School and was a three-time all-league selection. Despite a successful high school career, he received little recruiting attention from colleges and ended up at Utah State, where he became a standout player.

In his four years at Utah State, Wagner started 40 games and recorded 445 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, six sacks, and four interceptions. His outstanding college career caught the eye of Seattle Seahawks scouts, and they drafted him with the 47th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Despite being a second-round pick, Wagner impressed the coaching staff from the start and quickly became a starter at middle linebacker. In his rookie year, he recorded 140 tackles, becoming the first rookie in Seahawks history to lead the team in tackles.

From there, Wagner’s career took off. He has now been named to seven Pro Bowls, four First-Team All-Pro teams, and has been a Second-Team All-Pro twice. He has been a key part of Seattle’s defense, which has consistently been one of the best in the league during his time with the team.

What makes Wagner so good? For starters, he’s incredibly smart. He has a deep understanding of the game and can diagnose plays quickly, often beating offensive linemen to the spot and making tackles in the backfield. He’s also an excellent communicator, making sure his fellow defenders are lined up correctly before the snap.

But Wagner’s intelligence is only part of the story. He’s also incredibly athletic and has excellent instincts. He has the speed to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield and can tackle anyone in the open field.

Off the field, Wagner is also a leader. He’s respected by his teammates and coaches and is known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He’s a mentor to younger players and is often seen helping them improve their skills.

In addition to his success on the field, Wagner has also made an impact off the field. In 2019, he was named the Seahawks’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognizes players for their charitable work. Wagner has been active in the Seattle community, working with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA.

Going forward, Wagner will continue to be a key part of Seattle’s defense. He’s still in the prime of his career, and there’s no reason to believe he’ll slow down anytime soon. He’s a leader on and off the field and is critical to the team’s success.

In conclusion, Bobby Wagner is one of the best linebackers in the NFL and the heart and soul of the Seattle Seahawks’ defense. He’s an incredible athlete, an intelligent and instinctual player, and a leader both on and off the field. He’s been a force for the Seahawks since he entered the league, and he’ll continue to be a key player for years to come.