Rarely has a grown man who wears a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles backpack accomplished so much before his 25th birthday. OK, probably never.
But for Bobby Wagner, who turns 25 today, the past year of his life has been full of success. After helping the Seahawks win a Super Bowl in just his second season, Wagner followed that up with an even better 2014 season, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors for the first time. His return from a turf toe injury sparked a dominant stretch of defense by Seattle that was so impressive—the Seahawks allowed just 6.5 points per game while winning their final six regular season games—Wagner earned an MVP vote despite missing five games.
Since coming to Seattle as a second-round pick out of Utah State, Wagner has started 41 games, piling up 364 tackles, 9.0 sacks and five interceptions, and in no small part because of his play, the Seahawks have allowed the fewest points in the league in each of those three seasons. And again, he's just now turning 25.
So happy 25th, Bobby Wagner. May your TMNT paraphernalia keep you forever young, and may this year be as eventful as your last.
Happy 25th birthday to Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner!