Bobby Wagner made a personal request to his family after he added to his impressive list of credentials last week.
The 35-year-old, who played for the Seahawks from 2012 to 2021 and again in 2023, returned to his alma mater, Utah State University, and received an honorary doctoral degree while serving as the 2026 commencement speaker at the school's 139th graduation ceremony.
The 14-year NFL veteran, who was described as a USU Athletics Hall of Famer and an NFL All-Pro defender, responded to the honor with humor and made it clear to his family members present that his name has now changed.
"If you didn't know, my name is now Dr. Bobby Wagner," he said, according to EssentiallySports.
"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," he jokingly added.
Utah State announced in February that Bobby would be this year's commencement speaker and receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters "in recognition of his exceptional professional career and commitment to community service."
During his speech, Bobby, who is now a free agent following a 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, recalled how he chose Utah State, telling the over 6,000 graduates in late April that he was offered a scholarship during a visit to the university with his late mother.
"She told me I either accept the scholarship, or I wasn't coming back home," he told the crowd. "Back then there was no Ubers. There was no NIL. I wasn't getting paid. So, I accepted the scholarship."
He added: "One of the things that taught me was the place you least expect to be is the place you're exactly supposed to be."
Bobby played for Utah State from 2008 to 2011 and started 46 of 48 games for the Aggies, leading the program to its first bowl game appearance in 14 years during his senior year. He also tied the school record, finishing with 446 tackles.
He was later inducted into the Utah State University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the university announced in April that his number nine jersey would be retired, making him only the third player in Utah State program history to have his number retired.
After graduating, Bobby was selected by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2012 draft and played in back-to-back Super Bowls, winning the title in 2014.
He has also received multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections for his play on the field for both the Seahawks and Washington Commanders.
On February 5, 2026, he received the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, which recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field.
