Carson James Wentz (born December 30, 1992) is an American football player who plays the position of quarterback. A professional in the National Football League, he has appeared for several teams and is listed with the Washington Commanders. Wentz drew attention as a college starter at North Dakota State and was selected near the top of the 2016 NFL Draft, beginning a career that combined notable highs with injury setbacks.

Early career and draft

Wentz played college football at North Dakota State University, where he became a prominent signal-caller on a dominant FCS program. His success at the collegiate level — including multiple national championships by the program during his tenure — helped him become a first-round pick. Scouting reports highlighted his arm strength, size, and leadership, leading to his selection near the top of the 2016 draft class.

NFL seasons and milestones

As a rookie he started immediately and threw for more than 3,700 yards, showing promise despite mixed results. In his second season he elevated his play to become an MVP contender, posting over 3,200 passing yards and a strong touchdown total before suffering a severe knee injury in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. That injury curtailed a breakout campaign and is often cited as a turning point in his career. His original tenure in Philadelphia included periods of high performance as well as interruptions from injuries.

  • Immediate impact as a 2016 first-round quarterback
  • Breakout 2017 season ended by knee injury
  • Subsequent moves to other NFL clubs and attempts to regain form

After his time with Philadelphia he moved on to another franchise and later joined the Washington roster. Throughout these transitions, observers have noted both his strong physical tools and occasional inconsistency, which have influenced teams' decisions and his role as a starter or veteran presence.

Playing style and legacy

Wentz is typically described as a tall, athletic quarterback with the ability to make off-platform throws and extend plays with his legs. His early-career statistics and the level of responsibility he carried as a young starter contributed to high expectations. Injuries altered his trajectory, leading to periods of rehabilitation and attempts to reestablish himself as a long-term starter.

Beyond on-field activity, Wentz has attracted attention for his comeback efforts and for the debate his career provokes about how quickly teams should rely on young quarterbacks. For more information on position specifics and career context, see resources about American football positions and team histories linked below.

Relevant links: position overview, quarterback role, team page, league information, award context, opponent reference.