Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football: Top 10 Badgers in the NFL

By Tanner Nestle

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his 22-yard touchdown reception against the New England Patriots in the third quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his 22-yard touchdown reception against the New England Patriots in the third quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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10. Ricky Wagner, OT – Detroit Lions

Former Wisconsin Football offensive tackle Ricky Wagner
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 19: Ricky Wagner #71 of the Detroit Lions. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Wagner was the 11th-best offensive tackle in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus, which classifies him as an above-average player at his position.

How fitting for an offensive lineman to start this list? Wagner was a walk-on as a Badger, but made the most out of every opportunity he was given. He eventually became a focal point on the offensive line. After being drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round, Wagner became a steady starter in Baltimore. In 2017 he signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Detroit Lions.

At Wisconsin

Wagner was part of the historic Rose Bowl run. He got his first playing time in 2009 and eventually took over the coveted left tackle position on the offensive line. In his last season at Wisconsin, after playing in the first two Rose Bowls, Wagner got injured and missed some time.  He was able to return in time for the third Rose Bowl against Stanford.

Wagner blocked for Wisconsin running backs John Clay, James White and Montee Ball in his time as a Badger. He was certainly a large part of their success, just as they were part of his.

Wagner should be able to continue his excellent play in the NFL in 2018 with the Lions. They’re a team with playoff aspirations and have a talented offense where Wagner helps protect star quarterback Matthew Stafford.