Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner was named the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year at the NFL Honors awards show. This is one of the most prestigious awards given to an NFL player, showing excellence on and off the field.
Wagner paid tribute to his late mother, Phenia Mae, in his acceptance speech. She died from a stroke when he was young. She was only 47 at the time. Wagner said her mother believed in him long before he had started believing in himself.
“I cannot be up here and not talk about my mom. She is and will ever be my rock, she’s the reason why I’m standing up here,” Wagner said. “She’s the person that had confidence in me when I didn’t even have confidence in myself.”
After his speech, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who also credits his mother highly, came backstage to greet Wagner, showing his admiration and respect for him.
“I’m so happy for you brother,” the tight end said.
During his speech, Wagner revealed that his mother encouraged him to take up football. Her phrase “I got you” is a big reminder to him during his off-field endeavors.
“And she said, ‘I got you,’” he said. “Those words always ring in my ear. Every time I try to help somebody, every time I see somebody in need, I say, ‘I got you.’”
Wagner also credited his father, Bobby Sr., realizing his importance after becoming a father to his two kids.
“I didn’t realize how hard it was to be a father until I got two kids of my own,” Wagner said.
Bobby Wagner Almost Didn’t Attend NFL Honors
Bobby Wagner was not sure he was going to be named the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year at the NFL Honors awards show. He almost didn’t attend the show as he said:
“I really didn’t think I was going to win this award. I almost didn’t even come to be honest. I’m glad I did.”
Wagner’s off-field work includes stroke awareness and youth empowerment through his Phenia Mae Fund and related initiatives.
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