Washington Commanders announce Bobby Wagner as nominee for prestigious NFL award

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This is the third time Wagner has been nominated in his career.

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders landed a big-time free agent for their roster this offseason when they signed linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Having never played for a team further east than Utah, coming to the Commanders was a big move for Wagner, and since arriving his impact has been felt on the field and off of it as he’s continued his Hall of Fame ways as a player and as a man, which is exactly what the franchise expected when they brought him on board all those months ago.

Because of it, Wagner is the Washington nominee for the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, the team announced on Thursday.

“I’ve always felt strongly about the importance of giving back, and I never take for granted the opportunity and resources to contribute to our community in every way I can,” Wagner says. “While I normally don’t seek recognition for my work, it is truly humbling to have my efforts acknowledged through this prestigious nomination. My goal has always been to inspire others on and off the field through my work and this recognition reminds me of the many people that still inspire me every day.”

Wagner, a six-time All-Pro linebacker, has long advocated for mental health and social justice reform, working with local nonprofits and participating in NFL initiatives like Inspire Change to address issues and leverage his platform for long-term community change.

His off-field passions also stretch into the business world where he’s been an advocate of entrepreneurship and has created programs like the Tackle Everything Tech Tour where he emphasizes the importance of building generational wealth to ensure future generations can thrive.

As much as he seeks to help his teammates succeed on the field, Wagner has had an impact on the lives of others off it, giving them the tools and mentorship needed to carve their own paths to success.

“I’ve known Bobby Wagner for 11 years and he is one of the greatest players I’ve had the privilege to coach,” said Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. “Despite his excellence on the field, he is an even better man off the field. The impact that he has had on his teammates over the years and the various communities he has served is second to none. Anybody would want to be led by Bobby Wagner. His skill, integrity and character are among the best of the best, and that is what has made him such a special member of our league for well over a decade. His work in the community over the years has been extremely impressive and I can truly say that everybody who Bobby Wagner comes into contact with gets better.”

Each team’s nominee will be recognized during the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana and the winner of the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime award special aired nationally on February 6.

To vote, fans can post #WPMOYChallengeWagner on X or go to NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.

Here are all 32 nominees across the league: