Former NFL quarterback Nick Foles remembers when he and retired punter Pat O’Donnell were starting their new apparel company. They decided to send some “Dad SZN” merchandise to old friends in various locker rooms.
One of the packages went to Kansas City and ended up with Carson Wentz. His former QB teammate sent a picture of himself wearing the hat, which Foles was grateful for.
This attitude of being willing to help anyone has been valuable for Wentz in his first season with the Chiefs, where he’s had to adjust to the role of a backup. Wentz, who was the second overall pick in the 2016 draft and started 93 games, including a Pro Bowl appearance with Philadelphia, now spends most games holding a clipboard but knows he might be called to play at any time.
That moment came last Sunday in Cleveland when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes injured his ankle late in their 21-7 win against the Browns. Wentz went in, completed both of his pass attempts for 20 yards, and helped secure the victory, keeping Kansas City in control of the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Wentz acknowledged that it’s been a different experience being a backup, especially after his time with the Rams last year behind Matthew Stafford. He mentioned that it has been fun seeing Mahomes play at such a high level and experiencing the team from a different perspective.
Mahomes has been practicing this week and is expected to be ready for the game against the Texans on Saturday. However, if Mahomes has any doubts about his ankle, Wentz will step in.
Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy emphasized that being a backup requires mental strength. He said Wentz prepares just as hard as anyone and is always ready if needed.
Wentz still believes he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and so does Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who thinks Wentz should be starting somewhere else next season.
Reid praised Wentz, saying he’s been successful in the league, has a great feel for the offense, and is very smart. He also mentioned Wentz has a strong arm and carries himself well. Wentz has thrown for over 22,000 yards, 153 touchdowns, and 67 interceptions in his career, with a 47-45-1 record over nine seasons.
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He is exactly the kind of backup quarterback the Chiefs have valued in the past, similar to Matt Moore, Chad Henne, and Blaine Gabbert — all former starters who had success and could step in if Mahomes missed time.
Reid said he’s heard Mahomes wonder why Wentz isn’t starting elsewhere, showing how highly the team thinks of him. While Reid would love to keep Wentz as a backup, he understands the situation with quarterbacks.
Being in Kansas City has also been a great opportunity for Wentz. He has learned from Mahomes and benefited from being around a coach with three Super Bowl rings. Foles, who played with Wentz in Philadelphia and also spent a year with the Chiefs, believes Wentz is in an ideal spot. He is confident that Wentz is still a great quarterback and that the Chiefs are lucky to have him.
