Michael Carter Bio
Michael Carter (born May 7, 1999) is an American professional football running back for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels and was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Known for his agility and speed, Carter has made significant contributions to his teams since entering the league, showcasing his talent in both rushing and receiving roles.
Early Life and Background
Michael Carter was born in Okinawa, Japan, where his father played in the X-League. He moved to Navarre, Florida, as a toddler and grew up there. Carter attended Navarre High School, where he began to make a name for himself as a talented football player. During his high school career, he rushed for 526 yards and nine touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury in his junior year. As a senior, he excelled, rushing for 2,536 yards and accumulating 3,345 all-purpose yards and 45 total touchdowns, earning the title of Florida Offensive Player of the Year by USA Today.
After high school, Carter committed to play college football at the University of North Carolina, choosing the Tar Heels over offers from several other prominent programs, including Florida, Louisville, Mississippi State, and Tennessee. His early exposure to competitive football and training set the foundation for his future success in the sport.
Path to American Football
At the University of North Carolina, Michael Carter continued to develop his skills as a running back. He rushed for 559 yards on 97 carries and eight touchdowns during his true freshman season. In his sophomore year, he recorded 597 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with 135 receiving yards and a touchdown. His junior season saw him rush for 1,003 yards and three touchdowns, coupled with 21 receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns, earning him recognition as a third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) player.
Carter’s senior season was particularly noteworthy, as he was named to the Doak Walker Award and Paul Hornung Award watchlists. He had a standout performance against Virginia Tech, rushing for 214 yards and two touchdowns. In a historic game against Miami, he and teammate Javonte Williams combined for 544 rushing yards, the most by two running backs in college football history. Carter finished his college career with 3,403 total rushing yards, ranking fourth all-time for the Tar Heels.
Michael Carter Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Michael Carter was selected by the New York Jets with the 107th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Jets on June 4, 2021. Carter made his first career start in Week 3 of his rookie season and scored his first career touchdown in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans. He finished his rookie season with 639 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, along with 325 receiving yards.
In the 2022 season, Carter continued to make an impact, scoring two rushing touchdowns in a game against the Miami Dolphins. He concluded the season with 402 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, along with 288 receiving yards. His performance solidified his role as a key player for the Jets.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
On November 14, 2023, Michael Carter was released by the New York Jets. The following day, he was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. His transition to the Cardinals marked a new chapter in his career, and he was promoted to the active roster on January 1, 2025. Carter’s ability to adapt to different team environments and continue contributing to the game has been a testament to his skills and determination.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Michael Carter has achieved significant milestones, including being named a third-team All-American and earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2020. His performances in college and the NFL have established him as a notable running back in professional football.
Michael Carter Award Nominations
Michael Carter has received several nominations and accolades throughout his career, including recognition as a third-team All-American and first-team All-ACC player, highlighting his impact on the field during his college years.
Michael Carter Awards Won
Michael Carter has won multiple awards during his football career, including the Florida Offensive Player of the Year and various All-ACC honors, showcasing his talent and hard work on the field.
Michael Carter Family
Information regarding Michael Carter’s family background is limited, with no specific details about his parents or siblings available.
Personal Life
Michael Carter’s personal life remains private, with no public information about his marital status or children. He currently resides in Navarre, Florida, where he continues to focus on his professional football career.
