Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner was recognized as an All-Pro first teamer for the fifth time in his illustrious career – the most in franchise history, passing left tackle Walter Jones.
Wagner’s only NFL coach, Pete Carroll, recognizes the greatness he has seen out of his star linebacker, and believes his career will end with him alongside Jones, Steve Largent and other Seahawks greats with a bust in Canton, Ohio at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“That’s an amazing stat,” Carroll said on Monday. “That’s recognition in a really broad sense that you’re the best of the best. What a great recognition for him. He’s been such a fantastic player for us. So consistent and so rock solid at everything. Every aspect. I mean, he’s just everything. He’s on his way. He’s on his way to going to the Hall of Fame someday and this is the stuff that you do that puts you in line for that stuff. It’s a joy to coach a guy like that.”
Wagner is Seattle’s all-time leader in tackles, having broke the record back in Week 8 against the Falcons.
Wagner’s contributions on the field for the last eight years have been immense, but Carroll recognizes the person he is beyond that as well.
“All I can tell you is he does everything,” Carroll continued. “He does it by living a great example. Living great. Family guy. Takes care of his daughter in a great fashion. Just exemplifies what you want. In the community, he’s extraordinary. Everybody loves him. He’s true blue and straight forward. You know what you’re getting, and you know who you’re dealing with. He’s an extraordinary man and that carries over to all his football as well. He does everything in exemplary fashion. We’re just lucky we got him.”
Wagner is Seattle’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for his numerous charitable endeavors, which include paying for groceries at a local Safeway and starting a charity for stroke victims called Walk for Wagner.
Whether Wagner’s career finishes with him elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which it should, he will no doubt be a Ring of Honor member and one of the most well-remembered Seahawks in franchise history when all is said and done.
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