Carson Wentz

Carson Wentz Needs an Elite nickname as he becomes an Elite QB

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

With elite play comes elite responsibility.

For what it’s worth, in no way is this saying that Carson Wentz is, or will be an elite quarterback in the NFL. The Cleveland Browns, who Wentz had the good fortune of making his debut against, are not a very good team at all. Not only that, fans of the Philadelphia Eagles have seen a plethora of quarterbacks who showed flashes of brilliance only to ultimately prove to be a flash in the pan. There was Nick Foles, Bobby Hoying, Norm Snead and Adrian Burk to name a few.

Truth be told, a rookie from an FCS school who played one half of one pre-season game with a bunch of guys who ultimately didn’t make NFL rosters going for 278 yards on 22-37 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions is nothing to sneeze at. Of course the national media was going to gush over his performance. When the first rookie quarterback to start for your team on opening day since 1939 (shout out to Davey O’Brien) has a solid showing, there will be excitement. It’s full blown “Wentzlemania”

So, while the possibility is there for Wentz to be brought back down to Earth as the Eagles get set to play better teams with better defenses, the city of Philadelphia is riding high. It’s now time to capitalize on this new found sense of optimism.

Throughout NFL history, some of the greatest players to ever put on a pair of cleats have also had some of the greatest nicknames. It gives the game and its players a sense of individuality and character that frankly make the game more fun for everyone. Some of the best nicknames have been for signal callers.

“The Snake” Ken Stabler, cool calm and calculated in the pocket, plus legendary off the field shenanigans. “Broadway Joe” Namath, similar off the field antics, plus being the best quarterback in the country in the biggest city in the country. “The Blonde Bomber” Terry Bradshaw, blonde hair, and bombing it down field. “Slingin’” Sammy Baugh, “The Dutchman” Norm Van Brocklin (ask your grandparents about those last two).

Those are all classics, and it seems like the nicknames in today’s game aren’t as creative. Most are just variations of their name or initials, “RGIII” or “A-Rod” for example. It almost seems lazy which is odd considering there’s been an explosion of the Internet and the influence it has had on the game.

Having said all of that, if Carson Wentz really wants to have America fall in love with him, a great nickname would help his cause. Philadelphia is already in love with him. President Obama even declared he’s on the Wentz Wagon, so let’s brainstorm on some potential nicknames.

“Ginger Jesus”

This one has been tossed around the Internet and fans, and it fits. He has red hair, and could potentially be the savior of a franchise. He’s also taking the hits of 300 pound behemoths for our sins.

“Arson” Carson Wentz

Arson is the act of criminally setting fire to another’s property. Well, Wentz was on fire against Cleveland, and time will tell if it’ll continue. Also, there’s that red hair thing again.

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) walks off the field after defeating Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Browns, 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

“Ginger Snaps”

See the above red hair comment. Plus he literally takes snaps from the center at the line of scrimmage. Not only that. Who doesn’t love ginger snaps? By the way, we mean the snack not the scary movie from 2000. Plus, the other NFC East teams may be a little startled right about now.

“Can’t Miss”

A video recently surfaced and went viral from 2011 that shows Wentz and some of his buddies in high school doing “trick shots” of paper balls into a trashcan. It’s actually hilarious because of how awkward it is and the fact that it appears it was created with iMovie. His nickname in the video is “Can’t Miss” which is something that people could potentially get behind.

“The Man that Radiation Forgot”

He is quite pale.

“The Enticin’ Bison”

He had a very successful college career while playing for the North Dakota State Bison, and the thought of him having a winning percentage in Philadelphia that’s similar to what he had in college is quite enticing. Plus, bonus points are necessary for rhyming.

“Orange is the new Quarterback”

Pop culture? Check. Hair color? Check. It’s kind of lengthy, but you can’t please everybody.

“The North Dakota Dreamboat”

One can assume that most people have never gone to North Dakota willingly. No disrespect, but it’s the truth. Wentz is the maharaja around those parts. Not only that, did you see his celebration with Jordan Matthews after their touchdown connection? They faked the chest bump, adjusted the imaginary tie, and shook hands with the utmost sophistication. The rookie is stylin’ and profilin’ which makes this potential nickname a nice fit.

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This city is riding a wave of optimism for the future that hasn’t been seen since Terrell Owens came to town, and, now, it’s time to enjoy it. Sure, there are more clever and catchy options. Yes, Wentz could end up a disappointment, but Philadelphia hasn’t had much to celebrate when it comes to sports. If creating a premature nickname based on one game against Cleveland is what it takes to lift spirits of a fanbase, then so be it.

Pennsylvania may very well become “Wentzlevania” and if Wentz is going to be an elite quarterback that ends the 50 plus years of starvation for a title in Philadelphia, a nice nickname would make Philadelphia football fun again.