Seahawks Brought Back 'Ultimate Leader' with Bobby Wagner, Says Clint Hurtt
Bobby Wagner was always meant to be a Seattle Seahawk. Let’s just call this past year in Los Angeles an extra long vacation.
Though his first stint in Seattle ended with being cut, it’s not surprising that the organization, from teammates to coaches, have made it known that Wagner’s the man in charge after the team signed him back on with a one-year, $5.5 million contract on March 26.
Whether it’s on the field, in the huddle, the locker room, or when carrying the responsibility of embodying the Seahawks culture, Wagner deserves every bit of admiration and respect coming his way at age 32.
After all, you don’t just earn titles like “ultimate leader” for nothing. Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt had that to say and much more about Wagner on Thursday when discussing what it's been like having him back.
"You are still dealing with a guy that is the ultimate leader," Hurtt said. "For those things, I wouldn’t expect anything different."
Hurtt said many things about Wagner, but one of the biggest takeaways from the coach's comments was how strong his appreciation for Wagner's humbleness is. Despite being one of the most consistently elite players in the NFL since he came in the league, the veteran linebacker is taking it upon to himself to lead by voice and example.
The humbleness has even become "uncomfortable" for Hurtt, who joked that Wagner doesn't need to prove himself in that regard anymore.
"What I do appreciate about him is, and it speaks to how great of a person he is, he is very humble," Hurtt said. "He didn’t come in assuming anything. He’s humble and it’s almost uncomfortable for me because I am like, ‘Look dude, we all know who you are, your work ethic, the kind of man you are, the effort you put into your everyday process, and the consistency as a player and how he prepares.’"
Wagner will now look to spearhead a defense that has the pieces necessary to be elite. The Seahawks have made multiple notable additions via the draft and free agency this offseason, bringing some budding excitement to a unit on the verge of breaking through.
But it was Wagner's re-arrival that was likely the most important, as he brings the qualities that Hurtt feels are "beyond admirable."
"For him, he just wants to work and still earn it with new teammates," Hurtt said. "For me, that’s beyond admirable and for the young guys, I think that is a great thing to be able to learn."
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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