Bobby Wagner isn’t any stranger to milestones, however this one doesn’t seem on a stat sheet. Whereas closing in on 2,000 profession tackles — a mark solely two NFL linebackers have ever reached — Wagner has additionally been incomes an MBA from Howard College, the traditionally Black establishment he’ll formally graduate from in Might.
The 18-month program, which Wagner started in January 2024, was largely on-line. Nonetheless, he attended in-person courses this previous summer season. Decided to steadiness soccer and teachers, he deliberately packed his coursework into the summer season months to keep away from the Spring season.
“I used to be identical to, ‘Man, I simply received right here,’” Wagner informed reporters of the recommendation he acquired early in his profession to pursue a sophisticated diploma. “However I had actually good mentors that actually pushed me to grasp that this sport might be taken away from you at any given second.”
Wagner’s drive extends past the classroom. This summer season, he turned a minority investor within the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, demonstrating that his concentrate on enterprise isn’t simply symbolic. “Generally while you come from enjoying soccer and go into the enterprise world,” he stated, “lots of people really feel like the explanation why you’re capable of get into these areas is due to people who … I’ve completed the work by difficult instances that most individuals wouldn’t have completed.”
On the sector, Wagner stays a power. With simply 25 tackles wanted over the Commanders’ final three video games, he’s poised to grow to be the third NFL participant ever to achieve 2,000 profession tackles, becoming a member of Corridor of Famers Ray Lewis and London Fletcher. Wagner just lately spoke with Fletcher, who now serves because the Commanders’ radio analyst, reflecting on the milestone. “It’s extra about making gamers I started my profession with proud,” Wagner stated.
Even with all of the calls for, Wagner hasn’t misplaced his love for the sport. “It’s been a difficult season, however I get pleasure from enjoying,” he stated. “I get pleasure from being round these guys, they usually make it enjoyable.”
Wagner says he sees his educational pursuits as a method to problem the narrative that NFL gamers can’t achieve a number of arenas. He stated, “From the surface world, when you do one thing else, then they really feel such as you’re not centered… You may grasp the sector you’re in and in addition study and research different issues. Guys play video video games and stuff through the season. I simply select to study.”
Wagner credit his inspirations, like Kobe Bryant, who demonstrated how athletes can excel in enterprise, artistic pursuits, and private development outdoors their sport. “If someone like that may do it, then anyone might do it,” Wagner stated.
Carrying a blue Howard sweatshirt in entrance of the media, Wagner mirrored on how far he’s come. “Getting a sophisticated diploma was one thing my youthful self would have been stunned to see… I like training. Clearly, that’s why I did it.”
Bobby Wagner isn’t simply chasing tackles or titles. He’s constructing a legacy that proves success isn’t restricted to at least one discipline — on or off the gridiron.
