Ex-Commanders Linebacker Bobby Wagner Receives Honorary Doctorate From Alma Matter

by Christian BongiornoMay 8, 2026, 2:00 am >

All-star linebacker Bobby Wagner may have just opened up a new avenue for his future endeavors.

After receiving an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Utah State, last month, Wagner wants to be called a new name. “If you didn’t know, my name is now Dr. Bobby Wagner,” the ex-linebacker joked during his speech. “And to any family members here, you need to update my name in your phone. It’s ‘Dr.’ only.”

Utah State retired Wagner’s No. 9 because he is their all-time leader in tackles and is one of only three players to have their number retired by the program. Elmer Ward and Merlin Olsen are the other two players to have their jersey numbers retired by the Aggies.

Wagner was drafted in the second round by the Seattle Seahawks, where he made quite a name for himself. He was the runner-up in rookie of the year voting in 2012 and went to eight consecutive Pro Bowls from 2014 to 2021. In Super Bowl 48, Wagner recorded 10 tackles. Wagner won Super Bowl 48, is a six-time All-Pro and 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year – this is worthy of a spot in the Hall of Fame.

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Wagner had a one-year stint with the Los Angeles Rams before returning to Seattle the following season. He would spend the next two seasons with the Washington Commanders. Across his 15-year career, Wagner missed only ten games. The star linebacker led the Commanders with 162 tackles last season.

Currently, Wagner is undecided if he wants to return to the Commanders for 2026; if he decides to return for another season, Sonny Styles would be honored to learn from a legendary linebacker.

Styles was taken seventh overall by the Commanders in the NFL Draft last month. Styles’ versatility helps Washington’s defense improve its man and zone coverage numbers, while providing a much-needed boost to a defense lacking depth and speed.