While Bobby Wagner is preparing for his first season outside of Seattle, the Ram linebacker recently opened up about the abrupt end to his tenure with the Seahawks.
The 32-year-old joined his hometown team in the spring, about a month after his release from the club, where he spent his first 10 NFL seasons. At the time, Wagner’s comments on the situation suggested a possible altercation with the Seahawks, after claiming he was not informed of his release until the news was published, before later saying both parties could have had a “simple conversation” about their future together.
But despite the public perception that there is some persistent hostility, Wagner said Wednesday that this is not the case. The six-time All-Pro discussed where things stand with the organization after returning to the city earlier this week to host an event for King County Boys & amp; Girls Club, a fund he has regularly worked with since joining the league in 2012.
“Of course there are still feelings there (about being released),” Wagner told The Seattle Times. “But in the end, I have a different perspective. I think my opinion of it would have been different if I had ended up somewhere else.”
After expressing his enthusiasm for the chance to play close to his family for the first time since high school, Wagner revealed that although he would have liked to have been with the Seahawks, he is now “at peace” with how things developed.
“I did not want to leave Seattle. But if I had to leave Seattle, home was the next best thing for me, and therefore I could be at home as if I am at peace with the situation,” he said. “But still any competitor looks forward to back to the place where you played and they felt you had nothing left and prove that they were wrong. “
While Wagner made it clear that he has no malice against his former team, his last comment reiterated feelings he previously shared about wanting to make sure he plays well when the reigning Super Bowl champions face their NFC West rival next season. Of course, no one should expect less to come from a player known around the NFL as a consummate professional.
With a trophy case that also includes a Super Bowl ring and several Pro Bowl nods, Wagner’s legacy is already almost carved in stone prior to year 11. But in his estimation, his time with the Rams will only be about building on that, he started with the Seahawks.
“When I played in Seattle, the whole goal was like putting your track,” he said. “I did not just want to be there, and as soon as I retire, everyone forgets that I played there. I think I am always grateful for my time and my energy that I gave to the city. I feel that I have given them everything I have. I felt we had many good years (and) I was committed not only to the organization but also to the city. So it’s a shame I do not want to be one of the guys who said they played their whole career with one team. But I’m excited to be able to go home and play in front of my family. “
