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GrokBobby Wagner's journey from a promising young linebacker to an NFL star has been shaped by the guidance of his parents and the values they instilled in him.
On Thursday night, Wagner was named NFL Man of the Year 2026, receiving this prestigious NFL honor while honoring his late mother, PhenIa Mae Wagner, who passed away due to complications following a stroke.
Wagner said that his mother always reminded him to "even have confidence" and be a "person that had confidence," words that always ring in my ear and guided him throughout his NFL career.
Bobby Wagner Parents and Their Role in His NFL Career
Bobby Wagner frequently draws attention to the his parents, Bobby Wagner, and the way they defined his personality and his career as a professional athlete.
According to Wagner, PhenIa Mae Wagner, the mother of Bobby Wagner, is the one who helped him be where he is today.
Mom asked me to always have confidence and feel like you can make it to the league
Bobby Wagner
Wagner shared the mother words that always ring in his ear and guided him throughout his journey.
Her presence was still felt in his life even after her death because of complications after she had suffered a stroke.
Wagner also shouted out father Bobby Sr., saying that he was shaped by him and his love until he had two kids of his own.
The hard work instilled by Bobby Wagner parents helped LB Bobby Wagner to work his way up through high school football, winning all- CIF Central Division, and was later to be drafted in the round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
What he learned from his parents empowered his achievements in the Seahawks, and subsequently, the Washington Commanders, and this is a testament that Bobby Wagner's parents still had a long-lasting influence on his career.
Impact of Bobby Wagner on the Washington Commanders
Bobby Wagner is an influential figure among the Washington Commanders linebackers who have played a significant role in the team because of his experience, leadership, and winning mentality.
Wagner is a steady performer who has had a successful career that saw him being the leading tackler in the NFL and receiver of awards in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks.
Wagner also emphasized how his upbringing prepared him to thrive in different teams.
I really feel like Payton Man of the Year is not just about me but about my mom asking me to do the right thing
Wagner during his acceptance speech
He is a supportable teammate and mentor, and he emphasizes excellence, which has contributed to the culture at the team level and motivated young players to do what they do best.
In his charitable efforts, he still remembers his mother, stroke research and rehabilitation with the PhenIa Mae Fund, which won Wagner the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2025.
Bobby Wagner Journey Through the NFL and Team Success
In 2025, Wagner was selected as the recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, which is a reflection of his great performance on the field and also his dedication to work in his honorable memory.
PhenIa Mae Fund, initiated by Wagner, offers funds to research, rehabilitation and stroke patients programs so that the memory of his mother will not be buried under the soil, as he does not want his mother to be forgotten.
Wagner shared in his acceptance speech that he was honoring his late mother and that her words always ring in his ear.
He highlighted the reason why he is standing as a professional athlete and philanthropist, to honor the love, support, and lessons his parents instilled.
Over his career, Bobby Wagner delivered remarkable performances as a linebacker, facing top teams like the Los Angeles Rams and winning key matches in playoff rounds and the Super Bowl.
Wagner also reflected on his journey :
I think I was going to make it to the NFL because of the guidance from my parents and the confidence they gave me.
Even as he balances professional success with family, raising his two kids, Wagner continues his charitable work and leadership.
The 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year award honors not only his accomplishments but the legacy of Bobby Wagner’s mother, ensuring her memory continues to inspire stroke patients and promote rehabilitation with the PhenIa Mae Fund.
AI Overview:
Bobby Wagner's parents and more so his late mother, PhenIa Mae Wagner, and his father, Bobby Wagner Sr., have played a key role in molding Bobby Wagner to be an NFL star.
Their tutelage helped to make him a star linebacker because they instilled confidence, discipline and a strong work ethic in him.
Wagner has an NFL history of having the highest number of tackles in the league and being awarded the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2025.
FAQs:
What is the PhenIa Mae fund, and why did Bobby Wagner establish it?
Once Wagner lost his mother to stroke complications, he began the PhenIa Mae Fund to give financial aid to research on stroke and to support stroke patients.
Why did the NFL choose to make Bobby Wagner the Man of the Year?
Bobby Wagner was named the 2025 NFL Man of the Month due to his performance on the field as a Washington Commanders linebacker, field leadership, and his work in the community.
In the acceptance speech, how did Bobby Wagner pay tribute to his late mother?
Wagner, in his acceptance speech, insisted on recalling the memory of his mother and what she taught him about being confident and persistent.
What is the balance between the NFL career and the charitable activities of Bobby Wagner?
Although continuing his play with the Washington Commanders as a linebacker, Wagner runs the PhenIa Mae Fund, which offers funding to stroke research and recovery.
