Rams LB Bobby Wagner 'didn't want to leave' Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks and six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner had a nasty breakup in early March. Three weeks later, Wagner signed a five-year deal worth up to $50 million with a division-rival of the Seahawks — the Super Bowl-champion Los Angeles Rams.

According to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, the 32-year-old is planning to keep a residence in the Seattle area and "remain a part of the community." After all, Wagner spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the organization after being selected 47th overall during the 2012 NFL Draft.

Despite the difficult exit from the "Emerald City," Wagner had plenty of positive things to say about his time in the Pacific Northwest. He talked with Condotta recently as he hosted the King County Boys & Girls Club’s 2022 field day on Wednesday at Husky Stadium.

Per Condotta, Wagner regularly worked with the Boys & Girls Club during his run with the Seahawks.

"I just kind of wanted to show the city that had loved me for 10 years some love before I left and kind of let them know that although I’m not playing for the Seahawks that I am not removing myself from this community," Wagner said, per Condotta. "I’m always going to be a part of this community."

The eight-time Pro Bowler also specifically addressed his exit from the Seahawks and signing with the Rams.

"Obviously there are still feelings there (about being released)," Wagner said. "But at the end of the day I have a different perspective. I think my opinion on it would have been different if I ended up somewhere else. But to have the opportunity to go home and play not far from my family. Like I haven’t played this close to my family since high school (Colony High School in Ontario, California). ... I didn’t want to leave Seattle. But if I was going to leave Seattle, home was the next-best thing for me and so being able to be home, like I’m at peace with the situation. But still any competitor is looking forward to going back to the place that you played that they felt like you didn’t have nothing left and proving them wrong."

Wagner recorded a career-high 170 tackles in 2021, while adding five passes defended.