Carson Wentz isn't playing in the Super Bowl but he's already used it to make a big difference
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz was considered an MVP favorite this season — that is, until he tore his ACL and LCL during a Week 14 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
His backup, Nick Foles, picked up where he left off, leading the Eagles to Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.
Although Wentz can’t play Sunday, the second-year quarterback has found a way to make a difference via the Super Bowl.
Earlier in the season, we learned that Wentz and Lukas Kuster, a young boy who had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, met up at the team facility in Philadelphia through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Lukas was a football player himself, earning the nickname “the Dutch Destroyer” for his ferocity on the field.
After they met in May, the quarterback posted a photo of Lukas on Instagram, writing, “There’s so many reasons why I love playing this game of football. But one of the most humbling and incredible opportunities that I’ve been blessed with is the ability to meet people like this. This is Lukas Kusters — also known as ‘The Dutch Destroyer’ on the football field.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUxnD5yD_Y0/?hl=en&taken-by=cj_wentz11
“I know sometimes things in life don’t always make sense — but I do know that the Lord has a plan — as hard as it can be to see and understand at times. I don’t know why this family and this little boy are experiencing this, but they are attacking it with all they have and that is the most honorable thing they can do. I will continue praying for a miracle for the Kuster family and the little ‘Dutch Destroyer’ — and I hope all of you out there will join me in those prayers.”
Unfortunately, Lukas would die just weeks later at just 10 years old, but not before he gave Wentz a wristband with the words “Dutch Destroyer” on it. The wristband is now something that Wentz said he “never takes off.”
Lukas was buried in a Carson Wentz jersey.
“It’s crazy. To think that he was buried wearing my jersey,” the quarterback said as he fought back tears. “It’s so much deeper than football. That’s what it comes down to. It’s more than just a game.”
Months later, Wentz has now given Lukas’ entire family a special trip: tickets to the Super Bowl in Minnesota.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi, Lukas’ family visited the cemetery where Lukas was buried before making the road trip to the big game.
Lukas Kusters Family visited Lukas at the cemetery before driving to Minneapolis. In the car ride, a pic of Lukas joined them. They’re going to the #SuperBowl as Carson Wentz and the @Eagles provided the family w tixs. #dutchdestroyer @LiveLikeLukas14 pic.twitter.com/Sg1o4CUzmP
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) February 2, 2018
Throughout Lukas’ battle with cancer, Wentz was a source of comfort and someone from whom Lukas could draw strength.
Before the two met, Wentz had sent a video message to Lukas, telling him that he was praying for him.
“I tried to just view it as an opportunity for Lukas to just take out all of the other stuff in his life,” Wentz told ESPN. “The sick, the pain, the exhaustion, everything that he was going through. You could tell he was sick and that he was struggling, but he was a trooper that day.”
@cj_wentz You sir, are a class act. FLY EAGLES FLY!!
— Ynot? 🇺🇦 (@Toastrel) February 2, 2018
Even though Wentz is going through hardships of his own, he has not forgotten those around him, using his faith as a tool to spread cheer to those around him.
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