If you ask a casual fan where Carson Wentz is from, they’ll probably just point vaguely toward a map of the Midwest and say, "somewhere cold." They aren't wrong. But the specific geography of Wentz’s life is actually the most important thing about him. It’s the "why" behind the guy who went from an unknown 5-foot-8 freshman to the second overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Honestly, the answer is a little split. Carson Wentz was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 30, 1992. But if you call him a North Carolinian in a bar in Bismarck, you’re gonna get some looks. He moved to North Dakota when he was just three years old. That’s where the story really starts.
He didn't just grow up there; he became the embodiment of the state’s "put your head down and work" ethos. Growing up in Bismarck, Wentz wasn't some blue-chip recruit with a private QB coach and a recruitment video since middle school. He was just a kid playing whatever sport was in season.
The Bismarck Roots: Century High School
A lot of people think Wentz was always this 6-foot-5 physical specimen. He wasn't. At Bismarck Century High School, he started his freshman year as a 5-foot-8, 125-pound defensive back. Think about that. He was tiny.
He didn't even start at quarterback until his senior year because of a literal growing pain—a massive growth spurt and some ill-timed injuries. By the time he graduated in 2011, he had shot up to 6-foot-5. He was a late bloomer in the truest sense.
🔗 Read more: Caitlin Clark GPA Iowa: The Truth About Her Tippie College Grades
Despite the height, the big-time college scouts weren't exactly beating down his door in North Dakota. It’s a remote state. It’s hard to get noticed when scouts have to fly into a small airport and drive through a blizzard to see a kid play.
- High School: Century High (Bismarck, ND)
- Graduation Year: 2011
- Multi-sport athlete: He played baseball, basketball, and even tried hockey before focusing on the gridiron.
Why North Dakota State?
Wentz chose North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo. He actually had an offer from Central Michigan (an FBS school), but he stuck with the hometown Bison. It’s funny looking back—people questioned why he’d play at the FCS level.
But NDSU isn't just any "small" school. They are a literal dynasty. Wentz sat on the bench, waited his turn, and eventually led them to back-to-back NCAA FCS National Championships.
By the time the 2016 NFL Draft rolled around, the "kid from North Dakota" was the hottest name in football. The Philadelphia Eagles traded a haul to get him at No. 2. It was a culture shock, for sure. Moving from the quiet streets of Bismarck to the "Boos" of Philly is a lot for anyone.
💡 You might also like: Barry Sanders Shoes Nike: What Most People Get Wrong
Life After Philly: A Journey Through the League
The middle of Wentz’s career looks like a travel brochure for the United States. He went from the Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts, then the Washington Commanders, and a stint with the Los Angeles Rams.
Most recently, in late 2025, Wentz found himself back where it all began—sorta. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings. For a kid who grew up in Bismarck, the Vikings were his childhood team. He used to go to the Metrodome and wave the "Mew White" towels.
His 2025 season with the Vikings was a roller coaster. He stepped in after J.J. McCarthy’s injury, held the team together for five games, and threw for over 1,200 yards. But, in classic Wentz fashion, he ended the season on the shelf after undergoing shoulder surgery in Los Angeles in November 2025.
What’s Next for the Bismarck Native?
As of January 2026, Carson is at a crossroads. He’s 33 now. The shoulder surgery went well, and he’s been posting on Instagram about "extra family time" during his recovery. He's a free agent again this March.
📖 Related: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: Why the Roster Flip is More Than Just Kyler Murray
There’s a lot of talk in Minneapolis about whether Kevin O'Connell wants him back as a veteran mentor for McCarthy or if Wentz will look for one last shot at a starting gig elsewhere.
Actionable Insights for Following Wentz's Career:
- Watch the Free Agency Wire (March 2026): Because he’s a veteran with starting experience and a "hometown" connection to the Vikings, his next contract will likely be a one-year "prove it" deal.
- Monitor the Shoulder Rehab: His availability for OTAs in May will determine if a team views him as a reliable QB2 or just a training camp arm.
- Check the "AO1 Foundation": If you want to see what he’s doing outside of football, his foundation (Audience of One) is still very active in North Dakota and beyond, focusing on outdoor ministry and youth support.
Whether he stays in Minnesota or heads to a seventh NFL team, Wentz is never really from the NFL. He’s always going to be the kid from Bismarck who grew nine inches in high school and refused to leave the North Dakota cold until he absolutely had to.