Bobby Wagner Utah State speech: NFL linebacker jokes about becoming 'Dr. Wagner' after earning doctorate degree

How many NFL QBs can say they were sacked by a doctor? Well, if Bobby Wagner's stats hold up, some could be added to the list.

The NFL free agent made a graduation speech at his alma mater, Utah State on April 29. As part of this speech, Wagner received an honorary doctorate, a common award handed out to graduation commencement speakers.

Other NFL players have done the same, with players like Tom Brady and Harrison Butker receiving honorary degrees for their efforts as well. However, Wagner celebrated the thought of being called "Dr. Wagner" a bit more than his contemporaries. 

Here's what to know about Wagner's speech and request for those in his contacts. 

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Bobby Wagner Utah State speech

Wagner was thrilled about the opportunity to have an honorary doctorate, namely because people could now call him Dr. Wagner.

"If you didn’t know, my name is now Dr. Bobby Wagner," Wagner said during the speech. "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."

This joking nature is a recurring trend for Wagner, who has made 10 Pro Bowls and won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year just a few months prior. 

In this commencement speech, Wagner took the chance to make jabs at Stanford and lament that the Target in town wasn't built yet when he was a student. 

Wagner also told the story of how he committed to Utah State. He was hesitant to commit, with Utah State being his first offer, but his mother laid down the law. 

"She told me I either accept the scholarship, or I wasn’t coming back home,” Wagner said. “Back then there was no Ubers. There was no NIL. I wasn’t getting paid. So, I accepted the scholarship." 

The walk to the speech ➡️ 🎤 🗣️@Bwagz x @USUPres pic.twitter.com/hiKVR5X6Le

MORE: Bobby Wagner's career timeline, from Super Bowl Seahawks to Commanders

Bobby Wagner Utah State degree

Dr. Wagner received an honorary doctorate from Utah State for making the commencement speech. This marks his third total degree.

After his four years of football and academics at Utah State, Wagner received his bachelor's degree in business entrepreneurship. During his NFL tenure, Wagner also took coursework at Howard University to earn his MBA. He completed this coursework in December. 

Dr. Wagner may play another year or more in the NFL, but once he chooses to hang up his cleats, he has a flurry of degrees to make sure he's qualified for a job.