Getting to Know Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Carson Wentz
Photography Provided by the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Carson Wentz has heard the rumors and can confirm – he and Prince Harry are two different people despite their similar looks.
“We’re not the same person,” Wentz says with a laugh. “I hate to break it to some people, but nope.”
Traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts in March of 2021, Wentz follows in the footsteps of the now-retired Phillip Rivers, who took the Colts to the playoffs in his lone year with the team. Drafted at number two by Philadelphia in the 2016 NFL Draft, Wentz won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2017, where he first played under current Colts Head Coach Frank Reich, who served as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator.
Although born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wentz spent most of his upbringing in North Dakota – a state he still has many ties to today.
“Both of my parents are there, and I have a bunch of friends and stuff back there,” Wentz says. “I grew up there, went to high school there and went to college there. North Dakota is definitely home. I love that place and love those people back there.”
While Indianapolis may be completely new terrain for him and his family, Wentz at least has a familiar face here in town with Reich.
“I loved playing for him as my coach and loved working together with him as my offensive coordinator,” Wentz says. “We just really got along well off the field and really connected on a deeper level spiritually. I just thought we had a really good thing in Philly working together, so I think we were both mutually excited to get back and work together again.”
While Carson, his wife Madison, and their 1-year-old daughter Hadley have been busy settling in, the Indianapolis community has made sure to welcome them with open arms.
“The way we’ve been welcomed and embraced has just been really cool, both football-wise from the organization but also in the community,” Wentz says. “It just seems like such a family-friendly environment. Everyone’s rooting for you, pulling for you and wants you to succeed.”
When he’s not out on the gridiron, Wentz also stays busy with a nonprofit he started called the Audience of One (AO1) Foundation. A devout Christian, Wentz has tried to use his platform for good since entering the NFL.
“When I was a rookie, I knew that my purpose was so much bigger than throwing touchdowns on Sunday,” he says. “Coming to my faith when I was in college, I knew there was a platform that was different. Lord knows how long I’ll have that platform, so as a rookie I said, ‘Let’s start the foundation. I don’t know how many years I’ll be in this position to have a voice, have eyes on me and make a difference, so while we’ve got it, let’s make the most of it.’”
The AO1 Foundation consists of three separate ministries according to Wentz. The first of these is called Thy Kingdom Crumb.
“That goes around and gives out free food to anybody and everybody, and also talks with people on the streets, shares the gospel and prays with people,” Wentz says of Thy Kingdom Crumb. “Anybody and everybody is welcome. We look forward to that continuing in Philly, but potentially seeing how we can get involved in a similar fashion out here in the Indianapolis area.”
The AO1 Foundation also facilitates an Outdoor Ministry, which aims to serve children with life-threatening illnesses or other life-altering medical situations in order to foster a passion for outdoor activities and bring people closer to God through discipleship. Last but not least, the AO1 Foundation is involved in a sports complex in the country of Haiti.
“It’s just been really cool to see God working through it and for us to be obedient to where he calls us to go,” says Wentz of the AO1 Foundation and its three ministries. “It’s been fun to really see lives being impacted and changed, not only on this earth but also for eternity, and that’s really where the greatest reward has been.”
Currently living on Indy’s northside, Wentz says he and his family have already grown to love Indianapolis.
“We love it out here,” he says. “It’s got that small-town feel, but it’s definitely a bigger city that has everything you need from restaurants to family activities. There are so many things to do. I think the culture around here and the community atmosphere really fits me and my family perfectly, and we’re excited about it.”
As for his inner outdoorsman, Wentz says he looks forward to exploring all of the nature Indiana has to offer as well.
“The hunting, fishing and everything around in the countryside out here seems really exciting for me to dabble with, get out there and enjoy,” Wentz says.
The Indianapolis Colts kick off their regular season on September 12 against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium. To view the entire Colts schedule, visit Colts.com/Schedule.
