Anders Carlson Bio
Anders Bjorn Carlson is an American professional football placekicker. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a placekicker, he has been recognized as both a high school and collegiate All-American as well as an All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) First Team and Lou Groza Award semifinalist selection.
Early Life and Background
Anders Carlson was born on June 16, 1998, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He attended The Classical Academy, where he played football, soccer, and basketball. During his high school career, he demonstrated his kicking prowess by making significant contributions to his football team. In 2014, as a sophomore, he made four of six field goal attempts, with a long of 44 yards, and successfully converted nine out of ten extra-point attempts. His performance improved each year, culminating in a senior season where he made 13 of 23 field goal attempts and all 49 of his PATs. Carlson was also invited to play in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game, showcasing his skills on a national stage. He was a highly-rated prep kicker recruit and committed to play college football for the Auburn Tigers, choosing Auburn over offers from Oklahoma State and Vanderbilt.
Path to American Football
After joining Auburn, Anders Carlson redshirted his true freshman season in 2017, serving as the backup placekicker to his older brother, Daniel Carlson, who was also a prominent kicker. In 2018, he gained attention for kicking a 62-yard field goal during practice and successfully converted 15 of 25 field goal attempts that season. He also made a significant impact in the 2018 Music City Bowl, going 9-for-9 in PATs. His performances earned him recognition as a top kicker in the SEC. In 2019, he continued to excel, earning SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and setting records for consecutive successful PATs by Auburn kickers. His 2020 season was particularly noteworthy, as he made 20 of 22 field goal attempts and was named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.
Anders Carlson Career
Early Career (2023)
Anders Carlson was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, being the 207th overall pick. He signed his rookie contract on May 5, 2023. In his rookie season, he faced challenges, leading the NFL in missed kicks with thirteen. Despite this, he received support from his teammates and coaching staff, who emphasized that his missed field goal in the Divisional Round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers was not the sole reason for the team’s loss.
Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, the Packers brought in competition for Carlson, signing other kickers to challenge him. Ultimately, he was released by the team on August 27, 2024. Shortly after, he was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on October 15, 2024, and was elevated to the active roster for a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made both of his field goal attempts, including a career-long 55-yarder. However, he was released by the 49ers on November 5, 2024. On November 8, 2024, Carlson was signed to the New York Jets practice squad and later elevated to the active roster, where he set a new personal record by kicking a 58-yard field goal. He remained with the Jets until he was released on December 30, 2024.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Anders Carlson has achieved significant milestones, including being named Second-team All-American and First-team All-SEC in 2020. He has also set records for field goals made and PATs at Auburn, solidifying his reputation as a skilled placekicker.
Anders Carlson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Anders Carlson has received several nominations, including recognition as a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which honors the best placekicker in college football.
Anders Carlson Awards Won
Anders Carlson has won notable awards during his football career, including being named a Second-team All-American and a First-team All-SEC player in 2020.
Anders Carlson Family
Anders Carlson was born to Jodie and Hans Carlson. He has two brothers, Nils and Daniel. Daniel Carlson is currently a placekicker for the Las Vegas Raiders and has also been recognized as an All-American kicker at Auburn.
Personal Life
Anders Carlson graduated from Auburn in 2020 with a degree in aviation from the university’s College of Business and is currently pursuing his master’s degree. He has been recognized for his academic achievements, earning honors such as Academic Top Tiger and SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition. Carlson is a Christian and has expressed the importance of his faith in his life, stating that his identity is not solely defined by football.