Bobby Wagner, a seasoned linebacker at 35 years old, simplifies the art of tackling to its essence: “Just see the guy, hit the guy.” However, the intricacies lying beneath this straightforward approach reveal a dedicated lifestyle consisting of year-round training, meticulous film study, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the Washington Commanders enter the final stretch of the 2025 season, Wagner is on the cusp of a historic achievement, needing just 25 more combined tackles to reach 2,000 for his career — a milestone that has only been reached by two others in NFL history.
Ray Lewis and London Fletcher are the only players to have crossed this threshold, with Lewis achieving 2,059 tackles and Fletcher finishing with 2,039 tackles. Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. likened Wagner’s potential achievement to a running back surpassing 2,000 rushing yards, underscoring how rare and remarkable it would be.
Despite the excitement surrounding the milestone, Wagner remains focused on his day-to-day performance rather than chasing statistics. With 137 tackles so far this season, placing him fifth in the NFL, Wagner has been a fundamental piece of the Commanders’ defense, demonstrating not only his physical capabilities but also his leadership. His consistency is evident in his Pro Bowl appearances, matching the number of games he’s missed throughout his career, and his impressive tackle average of 9.1 over 216 career games.
Criticism has been directed at Wagner from some Commanders fans regarding his speed in coverage, but former teammates like Richard Sherman and coaches emphasize that his performances still stand out against the league’s best. Even in what is considered a “down year” by some, Wagner’s numbers continue to rival or exceed what many other linebackers would regard as career highs.
Wagner attributes his longevity and success to a combination of mental preparation and physical training. He applies lessons learned from basketball to his approach to football and studies some of the best in the game. His dedication to studying opponents and understanding their playing tendencies has sharpened his tackling precision. Coupled with superior physical tools, including remarkable arm length that aids in shedding blocks, Wagner has managed to maintain a remarkably low missed tackle rate of 4.5% since 2018.
Beyond the field, Wagner is preparing for life after football. He recently completed coursework for his MBA from Howard University and holds a minority stake in the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. His commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a rigorous training regimen that includes yoga, boxing, and a structured diet, exemplifies his disciplined approach to both sport and life.
With a unique blend of old-school toughness and modern athleticism, Wagner’s pursuit of the 2,000-tackle milestone serves as an inspiration to both current players and fans. It reflects not just individual accomplishment but also the importance of consistency, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence — values that continue to resonate deeply in the world of sports. As he focuses on these final games of the season, Wagner’s journey is a testament to the dedication required to achieve greatness and the possibilities that lie ahead.