Jamal Carter Bio
Jamal Carter (born April 12, 1994) is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 215 pounds, he has built a career as a steady defensive back after going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. He is best known for his time with the Denver Broncos and for winning an XFL championship in 2023 with the Arlington Renegades.
Originally from Naranja, Florida, Carter developed his skills at Miami Southridge High School before playing college football at the University of Miami. Across professional stops with the Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and the Renegades, he has continued to provide depth and special teams value at the safety position.
Early Life and Background
Jamal Carter was born on April 12, 1994, in Naranja, Florida, a small community in southern Miami-Dade County. Growing up in South Florida, he was surrounded by a strong football culture that helped shape his early athletic development. His size and athleticism made him a natural fit for the defensive secondary from a young age.
Carter attended Miami Southridge High School in Miami, Florida, where he played high school football. During his senior season in 2012, he recorded 73 tackles and 1 interception, performances that helped attract attention from college recruiters. His production on the field established him as a legitimate collegiate prospect.
Path to American Football
Following his senior year at Miami Southridge, Carter committed to the University of Miami, choosing to stay in his home state to play for the Miami Hurricanes. He joined a program with a proud defensive tradition and developed his craft over four collegiate seasons.
At Miami, Carter played in 50 games with 15 starts between 2013 and 2016, finishing his career with 165 tackles, 96 of them solo, along with 2 interceptions and 10 passes defensed. As a senior, he started 12 of 13 games and led the team with 85 tackles, adding 3 passes defensed. His combination of size, instincts, and production helped him earn a look from NFL scouts, even though he was projected as a late-round or undrafted prospect.
Jamal Carter Career
Pre-Draft and Rookie Opportunity (2017)
Entering the 2017 NFL Draft, Carter was rated the 22nd-best strong safety by NFLDraftScout.com. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein projected him as a priority undrafted free agent, describing him as a classic height-weight-speed player and more of a project than a polished prospect. Carter ultimately went undrafted but did not have to wait long for an opportunity.
On May 11, 2017, the Denver Broncos signed Carter as an undrafted free agent to a three-year, $1.67 million contract that included $20,000 guaranteed and a $10,000 signing bonus. That guarantee was the largest the Broncos gave to any undrafted free agent in 2017. He went on to lead the team with 19 combined tackles in the preseason and earned the backup strong safety job behind Justin Simmons.
Denver Broncos Era (2017–2018)
Carter made his regular-season debut in the Broncos’ 24-21 season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 3, he recorded his first career tackles during a 26-16 loss at the Buffalo Bills, with his first tackle coming on kick coverage against wide receiver Brandon Tate. He appeared in all 16 games as a rookie without a start, finishing with 11 combined tackles and 1 pass deflection.
His second season in Denver was cut short. On August 13, 2018, Carter was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn hamstring, ending his year before the regular season began. He was waived by the Broncos on August 31, 2019, closing out his time in Denver.
Atlanta Falcons Stint (2019–2020)
On September 2, 2019, Carter was signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, and he was promoted to the active roster on September 24, 2019. The Falcons gave him another chance to compete for a depth role in the secondary.
In 2020, Carter was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on July 29 and later activated on August 18. He was waived on September 5, 2020, signed back to the practice squad the following day, elevated to the active roster for a Week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers on October 5, and released on October 7, 2020.
Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans (2021–2022)
Carter signed a reserve/futures contract with the Arizona Cardinals on January 20, 2021, but was waived on August 10, 2021. One week later, on August 17, 2021, he joined the Tennessee Titans, where he was waived on August 31 and quickly re-signed to the practice squad.
After the Titans were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs, Carter signed a reserve/future contract on January 24, 2022. He was waived and placed on injured reserve on May 16, 2022, and released from injured reserve on June 12, 2022, ending his NFL tenure.
Dallas Renegades Era (2023–Present)
The Arlington Renegades selected Carter in the second round of the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft on January 1, 2023, launching the most successful chapter of his professional career. He was placed on the reserve list on March 4, 2023, and activated on April 21, 2023, helping the team compete for a league title.
Carter was part of the Renegades squad that captured the 2023 XFL championship, the lone major team accolade of his career. He re-signed with the team on January 26, 2024, and again on March 11, 2024, before signing another deal on September 27, 2024, solidifying his role in the secondary heading into the UFL era.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a safety, Carter relies on his size, length, and physicality to play the run and match up with tight ends. He has been deployed primarily in box safety and special teams roles, using his experience in multiple defensive schemes. His familiarity with NFL-level practice habits and his willingness to contribute on coverage units have helped him remain a reliable reserve in the UFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Carter became the 13th undrafted Bronco in 14 seasons to make Denver’s initial 53-man roster, a notable milestone for an undrafted free agent. His crowning achievement came in 2023 when he helped the Arlington Renegades win the XFL championship, cementing his place as a professional title holder.
Jamal Carter Career Wins
Jamal Carter’s most prominent team accomplishment is the 2023 XFL championship won as a member of the Arlington Renegades. While his individual statistics at the NFL level were modest, his continued presence on professional rosters reflects a long career built on durability and defensive reliability.
Arlington Renegades Highlights
Selected in the second round of the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft, Carter joined a Renegades team that quickly developed into a title contender. After a brief reserve stint early in the season, he returned to action and contributed on defense, helping the club capture the 2023 XFL crown. He has since signed multiple extensions with the franchise, including new deals in 2024.
Other Performances
Beyond the Renegades, Carter’s career was marked by a string of reserve and practice-squad stints with the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans. His ability to remain in the league despite going undrafted highlights his value as a steady depth piece and special teams contributor across multiple organizations.
Jamal Carter Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public information about Jamal Carter’s immediate family is limited. He grew up in Naranja, Florida, and built his football foundation in the South Florida community that produced him. Beyond his roots in the region, specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely documented.
Carter is not publicly known to be married, and no verified information is available about a spouse or children. He has largely kept his personal life private while focusing on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Entering 2025, Jamal Carter remains with the Dallas Renegades after signing a new deal in September 2024. He is expected to continue serving as a veteran safety and core special teams player for a franchise that has built a strong defensive identity since its XFL championship run. His familiarity with the team’s scheme and coaching staff positions him for a meaningful role in the UFL.
The Renegades’ 2025 outlook will depend on Carter’s ability to stay healthy and contribute on defense. After several seasons of bouncing between practice squads and active rosters, his current stability offers a chance to play a larger on-field role and mentor younger defensive backs.
With the spring league in full swing, Carter’s championship experience from 2023 and his years of NFL-level preparation make him a stabilizing presence in the Dallas secondary heading into the new season.