Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will deliver the keynote speech at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday.
Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told local media on Wednesday that Wentz, who attended North Dakota State University, will replace Vice President Pence at the event.
Pence is unable to attend because he will be in South Korea to lead the U.S. delegation at the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.
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Wentz quarterbacked the Eagles to a No. 1 seed in the NFC last season but tore his ACL late in the regular season. He watched from the sideline as backup Nick Foles led Philadelphia to a Super Bowl victory on Sunday.
Multiple Eagles players have said they plan to skip the Super Bowl winner’s traditional visit to the White House later this year.
Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long and Torrey Smith all have said they would not attend the White House visit.
Jenkins rose his fist in protest of social injustice during the national anthem prior to several games this season.
Long typically put his arm around his teammates who protested during the anthem. Long also donated his entire 2017 salary to charitable educational programs.
Smith said he does not believe Trump is “a good person.”
Trump spent much of the NFL season complaining about players who protested during the anthem, calling for them to be fired or otherwise punished for their actions.