Bobby Wagner of the Washington Commanders has been selected as the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, recognizing his excellence on the field and commitment to creating a positive impact off it.

Wagner joins an illustrious group of former winners, including last year’s honoree Arik Armstead as well as Pro Football Hall of Fame members such as Darrell Green, Dan Marino and Peyton Manning.

“Bobby Wagner’s storied 14-year career has been defined by leadership, consistency and impact both on and off the field, serving his community through meaningful and intentional service,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell noted. “He represents the very best of the NFL, and we are proud to name him as our 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.”

Throughout his 14-year career, including stops with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders, Wagner has established himself as one of the most decorated players in the game. As a Super Bowl XLVIII champion, 11-time All-Pro selection, 10-time Pro Bowler, and four-time Walter Payton Man of the Year winner at individual club level, he has become one of the best known linebackers in NFL history. Originally a 2012 second-round pick by the Seahawks, Wagner has since played in more than 200 games, becoming only the third player in NFL history to amass 2,000 career combined tackles, with at least 100 tackles in each season he’s played since entering the league.

Off the field, meanwhile, Wagner has consistently used his platform to uplift others, including through mentoring young athletes, supporting families in need and raising awareness around important health topics. Wagner has translated personal loss into purpose through initiatives like FAST54 and the Phenia Mae fund to raise awareness around stroke prevention. The fund, named in honour of his late mother, and FAST54 have become the cornerstone of his advocacy for stroke awareness, education and patient support nationwide. Through these initiatives, Wagner has educated thousands on stroke prevention while funding critical care, therapies and emotional resources for patients and families.

Wagner has also made youth empowerment a priority through his Tackle Everything Tech Tour, exposing high school and college students to careers in technology, entrepreneurship and venture capital. Through programmes that connect underserved students with leaders at companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Andreessen Horowitz, he has opened doors to opportunity and helped shape the next generation of leaders.

More recently, Wagner has expanded this impact through focused action across the Washington area, centring his efforts on health awareness and youth empowerment. In 2025, he launched a groundbreaking partnership between the Phenia Mae Fund and Children’s National Hospital to support the hospital’s paediatric stroke programme, providing financial assistance, rehabilitation resources and support for ongoing research and education. He personally ensured the success of the hospital’s Fight Strokes F.A.S.T. campaign, spent time with patients and staff and created unforgettable moments for young stroke survivors by welcoming them as special guests at a Commanders home game.

This past season, he also expanded the Tackle Everything Tech Tour, guiding students from Prince George’s County and Howard University through immersive experiences with leading technology and venture capital firms. These efforts reflect Wagner’s commitment to creating access and opportunity in the communities where he plays.

As part of Wagner’s recognition, the non-profit of his choice will receive up to a $250,000 donation, made possible by both the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.