Carson Wentz, the former North Dakota State University (NDSU) football star and current NFL quarterback, seamlessly integrates his passions for football, hunting, and faith – a foundation built during his time in Fargo. The Indianapolis Colts signal-caller’s dedication to these pursuits isn’t a recent development,but rather a continuation of habits and values established as a Bison.
Wentz’s commitment to hunting began during his freshman year at NDSU when a friend invited him on a pheasant hunt. “It was the most fun thing I’d ever done,” Wentz said. “My friend had a chocolate Lab, and following him, it was just a lovely scene. I couldn’t hit a thing. I was horrible with a shotgun. But I came home deciding I was going to sell my Toyota Camry and buy a Ford F-150. I was going to get a dog, too, a golden retriever.” That initial outing proved life-changing, sparking a deep-rooted passion that continues to this day. “when I decide to do somthing,I’m all in.”
The experience wasn’t just about the sport itself. It was a formative moment that underscored Wentz’s drive and dedication – qualities that would later define his football career. He quickly traded his practical sedan for a truck better suited for rural adventures and acquired a golden retriever, solidifying his commitment to the outdoors.
Beyond pheasant hunting, Wentz also developed a fondness for waterfowl. Bison home games on Saturdays didn’t lead to late nights; rather, Wentz and friends prioritized early mornings the following day, driving west of Fargo toward Valley City and Jamestown to hunt mallards, teal, and other ducks. This disciplined approach, balancing the demands of a Division I athlete with his personal interests, became a hallmark of his time at NDSU.
A photograph shows Wentz on a pheasant hunt during his time as a freshman at NDSU, a visual testament to the origins of a passion that continues to shape his life. The image, provided courtesy of Carson Wentz, captures a moment that set him on a path of dedication, not only to the sport of hunting but also to a lifestyle rooted in faith and a strong work ethic – values he carries with him into the NFL.
