Daniel Carlson Bio
Daniel Vilhelm Carlson is an American professional football placekicker for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Southeastern Conference (SEC) football history. Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has co-led the league in scoring in both 2020 and 2021 and stands as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history.
Early Life and Background
Daniel Vilhelm Carlson was born on January 23, 1995, in Dallas, Texas, to Hans and Jodie Carlson. He has two brothers, an older brother named Nils and a younger brother named Anders, who also pursued a career in football as a kicker. Daniel attended The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he began to develop his skills in football.
Path to American Football
After high school, Daniel Carlson went on to play college football at Auburn University from 2013 to 2017. Under head coach Gus Malzahn, he became known for his exceptional kicking abilities, never missing an extra point during his collegiate career. Carlson’s performance at Auburn earned him multiple accolades, including being named to the All-SEC First Team three times and becoming the all-time leading scorer in SEC history with 480 career points.
Daniel Carlson Career
Early Career (2018)
Daniel Carlson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, being the 167th overall pick. He made his NFL debut in the season-opening game against the San Francisco 49ers, successfully converting all three extra point attempts and a field goal attempt. However, after a challenging game against the Green Bay Packers where he missed several crucial kicks, Carlson was waived by the Vikings and subsequently signed by the Oakland Raiders later that season.
Breakthrough (2018-Present)
Upon joining the Oakland Raiders, Daniel Carlson quickly made a name for himself. In his debut with the Raiders, he converted all four extra point attempts in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. His performance improved significantly throughout the season, culminating in a record-setting 94% field goal conversion rate for the Raiders in 2018. Carlson’s breakthrough moment came in 2020 when he was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week multiple times and co-led the NFL in scoring.
Notable Works and Milestones
Daniel Carlson’s signature work includes his remarkable consistency as a kicker, highlighted by his performance in high-pressure situations. He was named First-team All-Pro in 2022 and Second-team All-Pro in 2021. His achievements also include being the NFL scoring co-leader in both 2020 and 2021, showcasing his importance to the Raiders’ offense.
Daniel Carlson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Daniel Carlson has received several nominations for his outstanding performance as a placekicker, including recognition as an All-Pro and multiple AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Daniel Carlson Awards Won
Daniel Carlson has won numerous awards, including First-team All-Pro in 2022 and Second-team All-Pro in 2021. He has also been recognized as the NFL scoring co-leader in 2020 and 2021, further establishing his reputation as one of the top kickers in the league.
Daniel Carlson Family
Daniel Carlson is married to Katherine Barker, whom he wed on January 13, 2018, in Birmingham, Alabama. The couple met during their time at Auburn University. They have three children together, adding to their family life.
Personal Life
Daniel Carlson is known for his Christian faith, which plays an important role in his life. He balances his professional career with his family commitments, enjoying time with his wife and children while maintaining a focus on his performance in the NFL.
