Byron W. Wentz was born on April 21, 1901 in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. He became one of the leading offensive stars during the early years of the National Football League. After high school, Wentz attended Penn State University. There helped the Nittany Lions get to the 1923 Rose Bowl. In 1925 Wentz made his NFL debut in the with the Pottsville Maroons. In 1925 Wentz helped the Maroons win the NFL Championship. However the title was stripped from the team due to a rules violation. Barney was also instrumental at during Pottsville's infamous win against the Notre Dame All-Stars featuring the Four Horsemen, a team that was considered better than any amateur or pro team, in 1925.