EAGAN, Minn. — Carson Wentz remains a figure of intrigue in the NFL as he prepares to face the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday in Minnesota. Despite years of high-impact play and considerable injuries, Wentz stands before reporters with a blend of self-awareness and humor regarding his style of play.
When asked if he’s considered sliding more often to avoid hits, Wentz readily acknowledges the question. “Of course, I’ve thought about it,” he admits, reflecting on the toll his aggressive approach has taken on his body, including multiple injuries. At 32, he understands what improvement could mean for his longevity, considering that his knee may still retain its original ligament if he had made different choices.
Wentz showcases a candid understanding of his past decisions, saying, “It’s always something where I come back and watch the film, and it’s, like, ‘That was probably dumb.’” This honesty reveals not only acceptance but also growth over his decade-long career, which has seen him navigate six teams and various systems. His playing style, characterized by a fierce competitive spirit, is unlikely to undergo dramatic change now.
This Sunday’s matchup holds significant weight for Wentz as it pits him against the team that once traded substantial assets to draft him second overall in 2016. Reflecting on his beginnings in Philadelphia, Wentz recalls the confidence that led him to audacious plays, like insisting on running the same play against the New York Giants in 2017 after throwing an incompletion. As former teammate Chris Maragos remembers, Wentz was always persistent, a trait that laid the foundation for his early success.
While he ascended quickly, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Injuries, particularly the ACL tear during his MVP-caliber season in 2017, changed the narrative. Wentz was forced to watch as backup quarterback Nick Foles led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory that season, a moment etched in Philadelphia sports history, as it took place at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Wentz’s rollercoaster career has also included periods of significant scrutiny and challenges to his leadership. Throughout, he has acknowledged his youthful naivety upon entering the league at just 23. Reflecting on his evolution, Wentz reports feeling gratitude for the developments in his life, including marriage and fatherhood, which have shaped his perspective as he returns to the field.
Now, as Wentz prepares for another game against the Eagles, he approaches it with a sense of calm and appreciation rather than the intensity that used to occupy his thoughts. “Not really,” he replies when asked if there’s extra motivation this time around, signaling a matured mindset. Embracing the moment, he finds joy in playing alongside his teammates and acknowledges the supportive community he once cherished as an Eagle.
Despite the pressure that still comes with his role, Wentz’s enthusiasm remains intact, allowing him to joke about his physical ailments and to find humor in the moment. He reflects, “Next time I slide, I’ll be just as hyped as everybody else, I think. Always trying to learn.” This optimism encapsulates Wentz’s journey: a tale of persistence, self-discovery, and finally, a return to form as he takes on the challenge of the Eagles once more.