Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner gratified by first career Pro Bowl nod

RENTON – Bobby Wagner got a sense of fulfillment with his inclusion in the NFL’s Pro Bowl selections.

Russell Wilson, on the other hand, was not left feeling empty by his omission, and that summarized the reaction to the selections, which could be characterized as icing or gravy depending on your preference of culinary metaphor.

“I’m just grateful to be on the list,” Wilson said of the Pro Bowl. “Just be grateful to be able to play in the National Football League and have an opportunity to play and fight for a Pro Bowl spot. Just to be the quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks is a tremendous honor and there’s so many great players. All the quarterbacks on the list had unbelievable years.”

Six quarterbacks were chosen, including two from the NFC: Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Dallas’ Tony Romo. The four other quarterbacks were Tom Brady (New England), Peyton Manning (Denver), Andrew Luck (Indianapolis) and Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh).

Wilson is believed to be the third alternate behind San Diego’s Philip Rivers and New Orleans’ Drew Brees. And while plenty of people in Seattle felt Wilson was overlooked – this author included – he buried any disappointment he may have felt beneath a mountain of praise.

“It has been an awesome year for everybody,” Wilson said. “I’m excited just to have the potential to be able to play in the Super Bowl, hopefully. That’s kind of where my focus is.”

Wagner was the one for whom the selections were good news. Of the five Seahawks named to the Pro Bowl, he’s the only first-time selection and the one who tried to distract himself from the selections on Tuesday.

“I wasn’t thinking about it,” Wagner said. “I didn’t want to get my hopes high, and then not be able to get it, then be pissed and have to take it out on the world.”

Wagner was in a meeting with his fellow linebackers when Ken Norton Jr., his position coach, asked him if he had his phone. That’s when Wagner saw he had a voicemail from coach Pete Carroll. He reported to Carroll’s office wondering if he was in trouble and wound up hearing congratulations instead.

“It was surreal,” Wagner said. “I didn’t really know how to take it. I felt like it was something I’ve been working for since I got in the NFL, and to finally have it happen did mean a lot to me.”

Wagner, who’s in his third year, has been credited with 10 or more tackles in five of the 10 games he has played this season. Wagner missed five games because of a toe injury, but since returning, he has led the team in tackles each game.

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