If you’re wondering how old is Bobby Wagner, you aren't alone. It's the question that pops up every single time he chases down a running back ten years his junior. As of today, January 18, 2026, Bobby Wagner is 35 years old. He’ll be hitting the 36-mark this coming summer on June 27.
Most linebackers are long gone by this stage. Their knees usually give out or their lateral speed vanishes around age 30. But Wagner? He’s basically a glitch in the NFL matrix.
Honestly, it’s wild to think he’s been doing this since 2012. That’s fourteen seasons of high-impact collisions. He isn't just "hanging on" either. Just look at the 2025 season he wrapped up with the Washington Commanders. He racked up over 160 tackles. At 35. That’s not normal.
The Bobby Wagner Age Defiance: How He Does It
When people ask about his age, what they’re really asking is: How is he still this good? Most of it comes down to his legendary preparation. You've probably heard the stories about his self-representation in contract talks, but his self-maintenance is even more intense. He’s known for a meticulous diet and recovery routine that rivals Tom Brady’s.
- He treats his body like a high-end sports car.
- He never stopped evolving his game.
- He uses his "old man" wisdom to bait young quarterbacks into bad throws.
It’s about the mental side, too. By the time the ball is snapped, Wagner usually already knows where it's going. He has seen every formation, every shift, and every trick play in the book. While younger, faster guys are still reacting, Wagner is already standing in the gap waiting for the ball carrier.
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Why 35 is the New 25 for Wagner
In 2024 and 2025, we saw him anchor a Washington defense that desperately needed a veteran voice. He wasn't just a locker room presence; he was the leading tackler.
Check out these milestones he hit recently:
- Reached the historic 2,000 career tackle milestone.
- Continued his streak of double-digit Pro Bowl caliber play.
- Proved that a "short" 6-foot linebacker could still dominate the modern, pass-heavy NFL.
It's funny, really. Back in 2012, scouts were worried he was too small coming out of Utah State. Now, at 35, the only thing people worry about is when he’ll actually decide to hang up the cleats.
Career Longevity and the Hall of Fame
Bobby Wagner is currently a free agent for the 2026 season. His one-year, $9 million deal with Washington just concluded. Because of his age, every offseason now becomes a "will he or won't he" retirement watch.
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But why stop?
He leads all active players in career tackles. He’s an 11-time All-Pro (counting both first and second teams). He has a Super Bowl ring from the "Legion of Boom" days in Seattle. Most experts, including those at Pro Football Reference, already have him as a lock for a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction.
The conversation around how old is Bobby Wagner shifted a few years ago. It stopped being about "is he too old?" and started being about "how much higher can he climb on the all-time list?"
What’s Next for the 35-Year-Old Vet?
The NFL is a young man's game, but there's always a market for a guy who guarantees you 100+ tackles and zero locker room drama. As a self-represented agent, Wagner is in a unique spot. He doesn't have to listen to an agent's pitch; he looks at the film and the numbers himself.
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Whether he signs one last deal for 2026 or decides that 2,000+ tackles is a good place to call it a career, his impact is undeniable. He changed how the middle linebacker position is played in the modern era.
If you're looking to track his next move or compare his stats to other greats:
- Keep an eye on the 2026 free agency tracker starting in March.
- Watch his social media (he’s active on Instagram as @bwagz) for training updates.
- Look at his business ventures, like his ownership stake in the Seattle Storm, which shows he’s already preparing for life after the whistle.
Wagner has proven that age is just a data point. What matters is the tape, and the tape says he’s still one of the best to ever do it.