When Bobby Wagner was introduced to the media last week after signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, he made it clear why this was the spot for him.
“I think DQ (Dan Quinn) does an amazing job of just putting all the players in the right positions and, you know, getting the best out of everybody,” he said. “Nort’s (LB coach Ken Norton Jr.) one of my favorite coaches of all time, so that was enough for me.”
Quinn coached Wagner early in his career with Seattle for two seasons and had tried to sign Wagner in each of the last two offseasons when he was the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys.
Norton was Wagner’s linebacker coach for his first three NFL seasons and his defensive coordinator for four seasons. But another person important to Wagner led him to Washington: London Fletcher.
Fletcher enjoyed a 16-year NFL career that ended after the 2013 season. His final seven seasons came in Washington. Wagner’s first two NFL seasons were Fletcher’s final two in the league.
“I’ve been a huge fan of London Fletcher and actually somebody I was able to meet last year in person,” Wagner said. “And he’s been a huge help in my career. I reached out to him one time, and he offered some advice. So, just understanding there has been great linebacker here and I wanted to be a part of that.”
LIVE: LB Bobby Wagner speaks to the media https://t.co/HowRhjmPv3
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 15, 2024
Fletcher is now a member of Washington’s broadcast team, so there will be plenty of opportunities for the pair to catch up this season.
Fletcher has been on the Hall of Fame ballot in recent years but continues to fall short.
