Carson Wentz chosen to replace Mike Pence at major national event
2017 may have ended roughly for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz as he saw his season come to an end Dec. 10 due to a torn ACL and LCL, but 2018 appears to be a completely different story.
So far, just 38 days into 2018, Wentz has become a Super Bowl champion, got engaged and now has been slated to speak at the National Prayer Breakfast dinner Thursday night.
North Dakota U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer made the announcement in an interview on KXJB-TV.
Wentz, a former North Dakota State star, will replace Vice President Mike Pence at the prayer breakfast after it was announced that Pence would be traveling to Pyeongchang, South Korea, for the Winter Olympics opening ceremonies.
The National Prayer Breakfast, held at the Washington, D.C., Hilton, is an annual event that includes an all-day series of meetings and luncheons.
It is a forum for political, social and business leaders to come to together and discuss faith and its importance to the nation.
Every president since Dwight Eisenhower in 1952 has spoken at the morning breakfast. Wentz’s job will be to wrap up the event at the dinner Thursday night.
The prayer breakfast traditionally features more than 3,000 guests, including the president and members Congress.
Previous keynote speakers have included Mother Teresa, U2’s Bono and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Wentz also won the Giving Back Fund’s Humanitarian Award at the annual “Big Game Big Give” event before the Super Bowl.
Carson’s brother, Zach Wentz, was on hand at the event to accept the award on behalf of his brother.
Zach Wentz accepts philanthropy honor on behalf of his brother, #Eagles QB @cj_wentz, at @givingbackfund Super Bowl party. pic.twitter.com/UopjYgEI6G
— Cody Benjamin (@CodyJBenjamin) February 4, 2018
“He’s a good role model for kids on the field,” Zach said of Carson, “but if you dig deeper and see who he’s really like, behind the scenes, behind closed doors, he’s like, ‘No matter my age, how many years of experience I have, I’m going to affect peoples’ lives.’ I think it’s really cool now that [his] foundation is reflecting that.”
The FedEx Air Player of the Year launched his Carson Wentz AO1 Foundation in 2017.
“AO1” refers to playing for an audience of one — God — otherwise known as playing only to glorify God.
Awesome. #AO1
— willlovesmovies (@willlovesmovies) February 7, 2018
The foundation’s goal is to “demonstrate the love of God by providing opportunities and support for the less fortunate and those in need.”
Thursday will be a busy day for Wentz; in the morning, the Eagles will hold their championship celebration parade in Philadelphia.
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