NEW ORLEANS — Carson Wentz finds himself once again largely observing from the sidelines as the Philadelphia Eagles make an appearance in the Super Bowl. Seven years after witnessing his backup, Nick Foles, earn the MVP award and lead the Eagles to their inaugural Super Bowl victory, Wentz is back on the grand stage, this time serving as a backup to Patrick Mahomes on the Kansas City Chiefs roster. The Chiefs are set to go up against Wentz’s former team, along with his previous backup, Jalen Hurts.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Wentz reflected. “It’s been quite a journey. It seems like ages ago. I am thankful for all the experiences I’ve had. Things have definitely not gone as I envisioned when I was drafted, but I feel fortunate to still be able to play the sport I love.”
Originally, Wentz was viewed as the quarterback who would take the Eagles to new heights, following their hefty investment to select him second overall in the 2016 draft. Wentz made an immediate impression, guiding the Eagles to contender status in his second year as a starter. He was in the MVP conversation until a significant knee injury sidelined him in Week 14, resulting in the Eagles capturing the NFC East title with an 11-2 record.
After Wentz’s injury, Foles stepped in and orchestrated a remarkable playoff campaign, tossing for 352 yards and three touchdowns in the NFC Championship game against Minnesota, and subsequently outperformed Tom Brady in the Super Bowl with 373 passing yards and three touchdown throws, as well as catching a touchdown pass. Wentz could do nothing but watch in disbelief.
“It was definitely bittersweet, no question about it,” he stated. “As a child, you dream of being on that platform and playing in that game. Life took its own course, and then, there you are, watching from the sidelines.”
Though Wentz’s career with the Eagles continued, he was unable to replicate his 2017 success. He was sidelined again due to a back injury at the end of the 2018 season, missing the playoffs once more, and over time, his appeal dwindled. In 2019, he had a playoff chance but departed in the first quarter of a wild-card game against Seattle due to a concussion.
In 2020, the Eagles drafted Hurts in the second round, leading to Wentz’s departure after that season as he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. Nonetheless, Wentz cherishes his time in Philadelphia, recalling personal milestones such as his marriage and the birth of his first child, alongside the bonds formed with his teammates.
“It was a lot of good times,” he reminisced. “The Super Bowl victory was incredible. I have many memories and friendships from that time that will last a lifetime. While you wish things had unfolded differently, I have no regrets.”
Since then, Wentz has moved around the league, spending the 2021 season in Indianapolis, the 2022 season with Washington, and signing as a backup for the Los Angeles Rams midway through the 2023 season. More recently, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs as Mahomes’ backup, starting once in Week 18 when most starters were rested.
Keeping a close eye on the Eagles, Wentz expressed that he isn’t shocked by Hurts’ achievements. “Everyone knew he was a talented athlete, but what surprised me was how accurate he was,” Wentz remarked. “He consistently threw the ball well, and right from the start, he displayed great precision, sharpness, and composure. Kudos to him for that.”
