Looking back at those initial steps in Wagner’s now-projected Hall of Fame career, what stands out most to Schneider is that the player he selected 47th overall out of Utah State was always a boss.
“I don’t remember him not being a leader,” the longtime executive said.
The middle linebacker position lends itself to taking control by verbally relaying every defensive play to teammates. Ken Norton Jr., Wagner’s position coach in Seattle and a Super Bowl-winning linebacker, frequently reminded his young apprentice about the leadership requirement. Conversations with linebacker legends Ray Lewis and Mike Singletary hammered home the point.