Carson Wentz’s inspiring statement shows true leadership

Carson Wentz is the leader the Philadelphia Eagles deserve.

Carson Wentz is the Philadelphia Eagles‘ franchise quarterback, and with that comes a ton of pressure.

When the Eagles are losing, it’s on Wentz. When the Eagles are losing even with the worst receiving corp to start a playoff game in NFL history (probably) it’s still on Wentz. Heck, it’s even Wentz’s fault when he suffers a concussion from an unflagged knee to the helmet from Jadeveon Clowney. Granted, if Wentz ever wins a Super Bowl under center, he will also be lauded as a hero like no other, but with great power comes great responsibility.

Wentz has to be measured. Literally everything he does is the topic of conversation among even the most casual of Eagles fans, from his decision to buy personalized guns? for his offensive lineman, to his frequent hunting habits, and even his football-themed baby reveal.

So naturally, when Wentz decides to use his impressive clout – one million Twitter followers and counting – to make a point, it’s going to get in front of plenty of eyes.

On Thursday evening, sandwiched between two nights of protests, riots, and general unease, Wentz did just that, and as an Eagles fan, I couldn’t be more proud.

In a time of great strife made all the more tenable by a near-endless period of social isolation, Wentz delivered a statement that was measured, honest, and from the heart.

Look, I don’t particularly care what you believe or where you fall on the political spectrum – professionally speaking – this isn’t a matter of red or blue. For what reads like a set of rather off the cuff comments, Wentz barely dips his toes into the political implications of the George Floyd case. He instead opted to use his voice to question his own biases – real or presumed – send out well wishes, and most importantly, project a unified front out into the world.

Say what you will about Wentz as a player, as a person, or as a sports figure, but this is what true leadership looks like.

Again, Wentz didn’t have to say anything. He could have quietly reflected alone at home with his new family and no one would have thought any less of him. Instead, the 28-year-old put himself out there knowing that a small but vocal segment of the team’s fan base would reject him because it was the right thing to do.

And for what it’s worth, Wentz wasn’t the only Eagle to make a comment on our current situation. Zach and Julie Ertz also released a passionate joint statement that can be checked out here.

Gosh, this is a time where I couldn’t be more proud to be a Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Carson Wentz hasn’t had it easy in Philly. He had to watch his team make playoff runs behind his backup quarterback, suffer through hundreds of hours of ‘hot takes’ on his talents versus the likes of Dak Prescott, and famously deal with an anonymous player calling out his leadership last fall. But by making this statement – a statement he again, didn’t have to make – Wentz put all of those questions to rest. By giving a voice to the voiceless, standing with his teammates from all walks of life, and placing himself firmly into a conversation that can only draw ire from external provocateurs, Wentz showed true, selfless leadership that deserves nothing but admiration.