Bobby Wagner's Emotional Tribute to Late Mother at NFL Honors Ceremony
Washington Commanders star linebacker Bobby Wagner delivered a profoundly emotional acceptance speech during the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday night. The annual end-of-season awards event, held at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco ahead of Super Bowl LX, gathered football's elite to celebrate outstanding achievements both on and off the field.
A Prestigious Honor Recognizing Community Commitment
Among the distinguished winners was Wagner, who received the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. This honor, first presented in 1970 and renamed in 1999 after the legendary Chicago Bears running back, recognizes players who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their communities alongside exceptional performance on the gridiron.
The 35-year-old linebacker has established himself as a consistent defensive threat throughout his illustrious career, earning ten Pro Bowl selections. However, it was his extensive charitable work and personal dedication that captured the spotlight during Thursday's ceremony.
A Heartfelt Dedication to His Mother's Memory
As he accepted the award, Wagner made sure to acknowledge the two people who shaped his life most profoundly: his parents. He turned his emotional speech toward his mother, Phenia Mae, whom he lost in 2009 when she was just 47 years old due to complications following a stroke.
"I cannot be up here and not talk about my mom," Wagner said emotionally. "She is and will ever be my rock. She's the reason why I'm standing up here. She's the person who had confidence in me when I didn't even have confidence in myself."
Wagner shared a poignant memory about having his only other job for about a month before being dismissed. When his mother asked why he was working, he explained he was trying to contribute to the family. Her response became a defining moment in his life: "Nah, I really feel like you can make it to the league and I want you to focus on that."
Continuing His Mother's Legacy Through Charity
The linebacker's charitable work honoring his mother's legacy long after her passing has been extensive. Through financial assistance for stroke research and rehabilitation via the Phenia Mae Fund, Wagner has made significant contributions that ultimately earned him the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recognition.
"Every time y'all see me do something you think is cool," Wagner told the audience, "just know that it's her." He emphasized that those who thank him for his charitable actions should actually be expressing their gratitude to his late mother.
Wagner also revealed that he almost didn't attend the NFL festivities, admitting: "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."
Acknowledging Both Parents' Influence
Taking to the stage, Wagner first gave a shoutout to his father, Bobby Sr., thanking him sincerely. "I didn't realize how hard it was to be a father until I got two kids of my own," he said. "He was kind of the silent person in my corner that doesn't get the love that he always deserves."
The linebacker then shared how his mother's words continue to guide him: "And she said, 'I got you.' 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 concluded with a powerful message about being a source of support for others: "Somebody is going to be looking up, wondering if they have somebody that says, 'I got you.' And I hope that I'm a light."
