Move over, "Bobby"—there's a new title in town for one of the NFL's most decorated linebackers.
Bobby Wagner, the 10-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer, recently added an unexpected credential to his already-impressive résumé: an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Utah State University. While speaking as the commencement speaker at the school's graduation ceremony last month, Wagner announced a name change that had the crowd both laughing and applauding.
"If you didn't know, my name is now Dr. Bobby Wagner," Wagner joked from the podium. "And to any family members here, you need to update my name in your phone. It's 'Dr.' now. I will no longer respond to 'Bobby.' It's Dr. only."
The 35-year-old linebacker may be a free agent at the moment, but his career achievements are nothing short of legendary. A Super Bowl champion, six-time first-team All-Pro, and the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Wagner is widely expected to earn a gold jacket in Canton someday. Now, he can add "doctor" to that list of honors.
Wagner's journey to NFL stardom began at Utah State, where he played four standout seasons before being selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He finished runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year that season and quickly established himself as one of the league's most dominant linebackers. From 2014 to 2021, he earned eight consecutive Pro Bowl nods and six first-team All-Pro selections—a stretch that cemented his legacy in Seattle.
After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams and a return to the Seahawks, Wagner spent the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders. Even in his 13th NFL season, he showed no signs of slowing down, leading the Commanders with 162 tackles and adding 4.5 sacks in 2024.
So whether you call him Bobby, Dr., or something else entirely, one thing is clear: Wagner's impact on the field—and now in the classroom—is undeniable. And if you're a fan looking to rep his legacy, you might want to update that jersey nameplate, too.