As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, quarterback Carson Wentz reflects on his time with the team that drafted him, stating it feels like “multiple lifetimes ago.” Wentz, who spent five seasons in Philadelphia, expressed gratitude for his experiences, acknowledging the lessons learned during his roller-coaster tenure.
Wentz’s journey with the Eagles began in the 2016 NFL draft, when the team traded up to select him second overall. He quickly became a key player, leading the Eagles to a promising start. In 2017, he was a frontrunner for the MVP award before a knee injury derailed his season in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. Following his injury, Nick Foles stepped in, guiding the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory, Super Bowl LII.
In his subsequent seasons, Wentz faced numerous challenges. He struggled to regain his form after returning from injury, encountering setbacks such as a stress fracture in his vertebra and a concussion during his playoff debut in 2020. Ultimately, he was benched in favor of Jalen Hurts, leading to his trade to the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
As Wentz prepares for the upcoming game, he has been sharing repetitions with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is recovering from an ankle injury. The Vikings hold a record of 2-1 with Wentz as a starter. Whether he will step onto the field against his former team this Sunday remains uncertain, depending on McCarthy’s readiness.
Wentz emphasized that his preparation remains consistent, regardless of who starts. “I prepare, go through my routine, and get ready, and that doesn’t really change,” he stated. He expressed respect for the Eagles organization but noted the significant time that has passed since he wore their uniform. “It feels like multiple lifetimes ago at this point,” Wentz added.
Reflecting on his past in Philadelphia, Wentz described it as a pivotal time in his life. “I grew up as a man, got married, had a kid, while I was there,” he shared. He acknowledged the abrupt end to his tenure with the Eagles but remains thankful for the opportunities he had and the growth he experienced during that period.
Despite the challenges, Wentz maintains a positive outlook on his career and the lessons he has learned. “You live, you learn, and you grow, and that’s all you can do,” he concluded, highlighting his resilience and determination as he faces the Eagles once again.
As both teams gear up for Sunday’s matchup, the spotlight will be on Wentz as he revisits the city where his professional journey began.
