The DMV has embraced Bobby Wagner since he signed with the Washington Commanders last year, and now he wants to do the same.

Wagner announced during the Commanders' mandatory minicamp that he is partnering with the Children's National Hospital to launch the Phenia Mae fund, named after his mother through his FAST54 initiative, in support of the hospital's pediatric stroke program. This is the fourth such fund Wagner has started for stroke prevention.

"Everywhere I've played, I've tried to honor my mom and honor her name," Wagner said. "This is a place that's embraced me and become a special place to me, so I'm excited to extend that into D.C."

Through FAST54, Wagner hopes to remind people affected by strokes and their loved ones that they are not alone. FAST54 includes a multimedia comic book and film about Wagner's playing career, dedication to giving back and recognizing the signs of a stroke (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911).

Wagner's mother passed away from a stroke during his freshman year at Utah State, and since then, he has tried to raise money and awareness for stroke prevention. He started his first fund, which was also named after his mother, in 2022 with the Rams and partnered with Cedars-Sinai and Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Los Angeles.

The following season, when he rejoined the Seahawks, Wagner announced another fund in partnership with the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle. He wore custom cleats featuring him and his mother for the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" initiative and was named the team's nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his dedication to raising stroke awareness.

Now, Wagner wants to continue his efforts in the DMV. Wagner, a self-proclaimed "West Coast guy," was skeptical about moving his entire life to the East Coast when he signed with the Commanders. But Wagner has felt welcome since coming to the area, and he wants to return that appreciation.

"The love that I've gotten over the course of a year has been truly special," Wagner said. "I always try to find ways to give back to any city that embraces me."

Wagner said he believes his mother would be "humbled" if she knew that each of his funds had been named after her and hopes that she would be proud of him.

"I am an extension of her," Wagner said. "That's always meant something to me, and I just try to do it gracefully."

Fans interested in donating to the Phenia Mae fund can do so on **fastfivefour.com.**