“I can’t be up here and not talk about my mom,” Wagner said. “She is and always will be my rock. She’s the reason I’m standing up here. She’s a person who had confidence in me when I didn’t even have confidence in myself. Long story short: I had one job for the NFL. Just one; I only had it for about a month — I got fired. But she pulled me aside, like after I was working her, and she was working her? to work to help her and help the family. And she said to me: ‘No, I think you can get up the league and I want you to focus on that.’ And she said, “I have you.” And these words always ring in my ear. You know, every time I try to help somebody, every time I see somebody in need, I say I got you. Because we are.”
Wagner is a Southern California native who has endeared himself to fans in DC the past two seasons and Seattle, after playing 11 seasons and winning a Super Bowl with the Seahawks. Although he was recognized Thursday night, Wagner’s kindness and history of giving back to the community have been hallmarks of his decorated career. During his career, Wagner has been named the Walter Payton Man of the Year four times.
Considered the NFL’s most prestigious honor, the NFL Man of the Year award debuted in 1970, with iconic Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas winning. The award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service combined with excellence on the field. In 1977, Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton was a receiver. The award was renamed in honor of the Hall of Famer in 1999, the same year the revered Payton died at the age of 46 from bile duct cancer.
The winner of the award will receive a donation of up to $250,000 to the charity of their choice, while each of the 32 nominated clubs will receive a donation of up to $40,000 to the charity of their choice.
Wagner is the first Washington player to be named NFL Player of the Year since Hall of Famer Darrell Green in 1996.
After being recognized for his outstanding play nearly every fall during a stellar career, Wagner has been a mainstay of his for just as long in his NFL tenure.
On Thursday night, the centerpiece of so many defenses throughout history starred as a deserving NFL champion — right along with mom.
“She can’t be here, but she lives through me and everything I do is for her and I honor her every chance I get,” Wagner said. “Her love and support is why I’m standing here, and I wouldn’t be here without her. So, again, every time you see my face, every time you see me do something, you think we’re cool or dope, just know that this is her – and I’m in the flesh. She’s not here now, but she’s not here through me, but she’s not here through me. really thank her so thank you.”