NFL player Bobby Wagner receives a master’s degree from Howard University

NFL player Bobby Wagner completed the executive MBA program at Howard University.

Wagner adds a formal company credential to his resume that will certainly help him off the field.

The Seahawks linebacker graduated from the Howard University School of Business Executive MBA program, ESPN reported. The program is fast-paced and designed for experienced professionals seeking advanced training in leadership, strategy and organizational management rather than a traditional two-year MBA track.

Wagner enrolled in the 18-month program in January 2025. He played actively in the NFL and combined courses with professional responsibilities. The student and athlete worked year-round and completed the HBCU course in just 12 months.

In an interview with ESPNWagner said his goal is to earn long-term opportunities outside of football, and being respected as a businessman.

“Sometimes when you come from playing football and go into the business world,” he said, “a lot of people feel like the reason you’re able to get into those spaces is because of people you know who feel like we’re skipping steps or feel like we haven’t done the work.”

Howard University officials praised Wagner’s educational journey and described his participation as in line with the institution’s mission to develop leaders from various sectors.

Wagner has previously spoken about his interest in ownership, investment and community development initiatives following his playing career. Wagner believes his pursuit of higher education in business is a natural path. This step allows him to personally strive for excellence. At the same time, he strives for the same excellence on the field.

“You can master the field you work in and also learn and study other things,” he said ESPN.

Wagner’s academic milestone comes as more athletes use the offseason to prepare for a second career, with executive education programs increasingly positioning themselves as bridges between elite sport and corporate leadership.

While some may criticize his decision to attend HBCU, the Seahawk says the criticism doesn’t upset him. The public will always have an opinion.

“From the outside world, if you’re doing something different, they feel like you’re not focused,” Wagner said. “And then when you retire and have nothing to do, they say, ‘Why didn’t you do anything else?’ And so you can’t really listen to what people are saying because you’re not at the end of your career trying to figure things out. I’m trying to break that concept.”

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