Career Timeline of Carson Wentz: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Carson Wentz, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Carson Wentz is an American football quarterback. He achieved college success at North Dakota State, leading the Bison to two consecutive NCAA FCS national championships. His performance led to him being drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 NFL draft. This made him the highest drafted player from the FCS division.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1970: First Rookie Since 1970

In 2016, Carson Wentz became the first rookie quarterback since 1970 to win his first two games of the season without throwing an interception.

1999: Donovan McNabb Drafted

In 1999, Donovan McNabb was drafted by the Eagles; the last time before 2016 that the team had drafted a quarterback in the first round.

2008: Joe Flacco Drafted

In 2008, Joe Flacco was drafted; he was the last FCS quarterback taken in the first round before Carson Wentz in 2016.

2012: First Collegiate Game

In 2012, as a redshirt freshman, Carson Wentz played in his first collegiate game on September 22, completing all eight of his passes for 93 yards and throwing his first touchdown in a victory over the Prairie View A&M Panthers.

2013: Sophomore Season

In 2013, Carson Wentz appeared in 11 games as the second-string quarterback. He had his best game that season on October 13 against Delaware State, completing 10-of-13 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.

2014: Starting Quarterback

In 2014, Carson Wentz became the Bison starting quarterback during his junior year, leading his team to victory against Iowa State Cyclones on August 30. He caught a 16-yard touchdown pass against Western Illinois Leathernecks on October 10.

2014: Junior Year Season

In 2014, Carson Wentz started all 16 games, completing 228 of 358 passes for 3,111 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, and rushed for 642 yards and six touchdowns.

January 10, 2015: National Championship Win

On January 10, 2015, Carson Wentz started in his first national championship game against the Illinois State Redbirds, passing for 287 yards and rushing for 87 yards and a touchdown, leading North Dakota State (NDSU) to their fourth consecutive NCAA Division I Football Championship game.

2015: Broken Wrist

In 2015, Carson Wentz suffered a broken wrist against the South Dakota Coyotes and missed eight weeks of the season after undergoing surgery.

January 9, 2016: Fifth Straight FCS Title

On January 9, 2016, Carson Wentz led the Bison to its fifth straight FCS title, running for two touchdowns and throwing for a third. He was named the NCAA Division I-AA Championship Game Most Outstanding Player for the second straight year.

January 30, 2016: Reese's Senior Bowl

On January 30, 2016, Carson Wentz played in the 2016 Reese's Senior Bowl, completing 6 of 10 pass attempts for 50 yards.

February 2016: Projected First Round Pick

In February 2016, Carson Wentz was projected to be selected in the mid-first round of the NFL draft and began to be regarded as a Top 10 prospect after his pro day.

April 28, 2016: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

On April 28, 2016, Carson Wentz was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $26.67 million on May 12.

2016: Starting Quarterback for Eagles

In 2016, Carson Wentz was named the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles after Sam Bradford was traded. He was named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 1 and the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Steelers.

2016: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles

In 2016, Carson Wentz was selected second overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL draft, making him the highest drafted FCS player.

2017: Successful Season and Injury

In 2017, Carson Wentz had his most successful season, helping the Philadelphia Eagles secure the top seed in their conference. However, he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 14.

2017: Possible NFL MVP

In 2017, after his first five games, Carson Wentz was ranked as a possible NFL MVP and was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 7.

2017: Eagles Traded Draft Picks

In 2017, the Eagles traded a first round pick, as part of the package to be able to draft Carson Wentz.

2018: Regained Starting Quarterback Role

In 2018, Carson Wentz regained his starting quarterback role for the Eagles on September 17 after recovering from an ACL injury.

2018: Eagles Traded Draft Picks

In 2018, the Eagles traded a second round pick, as part of the package to be able to draft Carson Wentz.

April 29, 2019: Eagles exercise fifth-year option

On April 29, 2019, the Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on Carson Wentz's contract.

March 17, 2021: Traded to the Indianapolis Colts

On March 17, 2021, Carson Wentz was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2021 third-round pick and a 2022 first-round pick, reuniting with Frank Reich.

March 16, 2022: Traded to the Washington Commanders

On March 16, 2022, Carson Wentz was traded to the Washington Commanders along with the Colts' second and seventh round picks in the 2022 NFL draft, in exchange for 2022 second and third round picks and a conditional third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft.