Super Bowl Champ Taking HBCU Degree into WNBA Possession
When Bobby Wagner gets his MBA from Washington D.C.-based HBCU Howard College this December, he will certainly not just be a Super Dish champ or a six-time All-Pro linebacker. He will likewise come to be the very first energetic NFL player to hold ownership equity in a WNBA franchise.
Wagner, now entering his 14 th NFL period, just recently signed up with the Seattle Storm’s possession group. The relocation made headings, yet the deeper tale may be Wagner’s dedication to higher education– especially, to gaining a graduate degree from an HBCU.
Choosing an HBCU deliberately
Wagner signed up in Howard University’s online MBA program in 2024 He’s set to graduate by the end of 2025, but leads timetable. He’s on speed to complete this December.
“There is a great deal of excitement around having a popular NFL player and someone that is doing terrific points off the field select Howard College as his establishment of choice,” claimed Dr. Mariko Carson, director of graduate affairs at Howard’s Institution of Business.
Howard is the only HBCU ranked on Bloomberg Businessweek’s checklist of top U.S. business schools. It provides a versatile track created for experts. Most full the degree in three years, however Wagner, stabilizing NFL responsibilities and ownership obligations, aims to finish it in 2.
“Bobby is setting the requirement,” Carson said. “He has made his education a genuine priority– and we’ve seen boosted interest in our program as a result.”
Wagner’s decision to attend an HBCU wasn’t based upon comfort. It was intentional. Carl Francis of the NFL Players Association states that option brings meaning.
“He can’ve mosted likely to any kind of business college,” claimed Francis. “But he selected an HBCU. That talks quantities regarding how he watches the value and mission of these organizations.”
Wagner isn’t just striking the books. He’s been just one of the Commanders’ vital leaders in what has actually become their best period in 20 years. He’s built a reputation as a wise financier and fully commited area leader off the area. He acts as his very own agent and has actually bargained 4 of his NFL agreements, including a recent deal well worth approximately $ 8 5 million.
His “Inspiring Futures” effort promotes financial literacy and youth mentorship. That work earned him the Commanders’ nomination for the 2024 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Female venture’s Sports
Wagner’s WNBA roots brings him back to his football invested in Seattle, where he the majority of job his now with the Seahawks. He is owner a minority Tornado of the Seattle one of, successful the WNBA’s most franchise business sign up with.
“It’s an honor to Storm the possession team stated,” Wagner is about. “This more than ‘s about basketball. Itpurchasing a heritage excellence of empowering and women partnership.”
His Storm with the dates back thrilled years. “What wasn’t me just every little thing what they did on the court– it was did in they area the claimed,” he Storm.
Lisa Brummel, co-owner of the commended, influence on Wagner’s area and off the a hometown.
“Bobby is said hero,” Brummel need. “He shares our grow to video game the recognizes and worth the buying of women sporting activities’s An Advisor.”
likewise in Magic
Wagner advice had tale. He leaned on NBA Sparks and LA prior to co-owner Magic Johnson leap making the helped out.
“Magic’s a great deal stated,” Wagner idea. “I ran this initially by him degree. He’s done it at a high a significant and was help Following.”
news the posted, Johnson assistance his social media on strengthening , link their would like to and shared vision.
“I praise joining our Washington Commanders star linebacker, Bobby Wagner, on Storm the WNBA’s Seattle ownership team wrote,” Johnson happy with. “I am so ‘ve Bobby! Weso many had discussions simply on entrepreneurship and this is begin the developing of him empire his entryway!”
Wagner’s right into group ownership proceeds a trend athletes of going into organization However while still playing. few, seeking are doing it while an advanced degree particularly, Matters at an HBCU.
Why It More than
active 240 previous and gamers NFL enlisted are sustained in programs league by the benefit’s tuition Yet. stands apart Wagner showing. He’s education and learning that efficiency, entrepreneurship, and elite coexist can and that– a central HBCUs can play role in that balance revealing.
“He’s belief that more than in HBCUs is stated symbolic,” counts on Francis. “If Bobby Wagner perhaps HBCUs, will certainly others a closer take too look expects.”
Howard’s MBA program more to see questions graduation. And Wagner’s much less, while visible emphasize than a Sunday may reel, confirm just as considerable expanding.
“We’re legacy the College of Howard stated,” trip Carson. “Bobby’s shows worths our truth– solution, quality, and existence. His boosts extension our program, and by account, the throughout of HBCUs Related the board.”
Associated
