From the frozen plains of North Dakota to the bright lights of the NFL, Carson Wentz‘s journey is a testament to the power of family. Behind the spiral passes and touchdown celebrations stand a pair of unsung heroes: Doug Wentz and Cathy Domres.

When three-year-old Carson first set foot in Bismarck, North Dakota, little did anyone know he’d become the talk of the town – and eventually, the entire football world. Doug, a former linebacker for Northern State in Aberdeen, passed down his love for the game. Meanwhile, Cathy, described as a hardworking entrepreneur, instilled a strong work ethic in her son. Together, they created the perfect playbook for success that would shape Carson’s future both on and off the field.

Get to know Carson Wentz’s parents, Doug Wentz and Cathy Domres

The Wentz household wasn’t just about touchdowns and tackle drills. Doug and Cathy called an audible, emphasizing the importance of hitting the books as hard as the tackling dummies. The result? Carson graduated top of his class in high school and maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA at North Dakota State University. This academic prowess earned him the title of Academic All-American of the Year by the College Sports Information Director of America – twice.

Carson’s grandmother Beverly, in a 2016 interview with Bison Illustrated, offered a glimpse into the family dynamics: “Those two boys are so close. They’re different. One is more laid back, and, of course, Carson is more active and hyper. They are the best of friends.” This family huddle, including brothers Zach and Luke, became Carson’s personal cheer squad.

Doug and Cathy’s guidance extended into Carson’s spiritual life as well. At Liberty University in 2020, Carson shared how his faith journey truly began in college: “I dove all in and had some amazing guys who discipled me and mentored me.” This spiritual foundation would prove crucial in the face of future challenges, such as his ACL injury in 2017 that sidelined him during the Eagles‘ Super Bowl run.

Doug Wentz and Cathy Domores are part of his Journey

The Wentz family’s support was never more evident than during the 2016 NFL Draft. Carson’s brother Zach recalled the whirlwind experience to Bison Illustrated: “It all happened so fast down there. We were busy, and it felt like we were doing stuff all the time, and before you know it, his name was called and he was picked and we were down in the green room with him.” Doug and Cathy were right there, sharing in this pivotal moment of their son’s career.

Fast forward to 2024, and Carson’s sporting a different kind of jersey. As Patrick Mahomes‘ backup with the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s traded in his starting quarterback cleats for a clipboard and a headset. In a recent interview with ESPN, Carson admitted, “It’s different. I’m not going to lie.” But just like his parents taught him, he’s tackling this new challenge head-on.

As Carson navigates this new chapter, the influence of Doug (now working at Black Ridge Bank) and Cathy remains as strong as ever. The Wentz family playbook continues to shape not just a quarterback, but a man ready for whatever life throws his way.

And who can forget Grandma Beverly? As she told Bison Illustrated, “I’ll be there. I’ll go to all the home games. I’ve got my own Bison family, the people I’ve been sitting by for four years.”

For the Wentz family, it is obvious that football is not just a game but rather a lifestyle that has made Carson who he is today as a player.