Rondell Carter Bio
Ron’Dell Lamaree Carter (born July 3, 1997) is an American football defensive end. He is listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 269 pounds and has spent his professional career moving between NFL practice squads, active rosters, and the United States Football League. He played college football at James Madison University after transferring from Rutgers and entered the professional ranks in 2020 as an undrafted free agent. Carter has since suited up for multiple NFL organizations and currently plays for the Michigan Panthers.
Early Life and Background
Ron’Dell Lamaree Carter was born on July 3, 1997, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in the Baltimore area and attended Long Reach High School, where he developed into a two-way football player. At Long Reach, Carter lined up at both defensive end and tight end, showcasing the versatility and athleticism that would later define his college recruitment. As a junior, he earned All-Howard County honors at defensive end, and as a senior, he received All-Howard County recognition at tight end.
Beyond football, Carter also practiced basketball and competed in the shot put during his high school years. These additional sports helped him build the strength, coordination, and competitive foundation that would later support his transition to the college level. His combination of size and multi-sport background made him an attractive recruit for college programs seeking a developmental defensive lineman.
Path to American Football
Carter accepted a football scholarship from Rutgers University, beginning his college career with the Scarlet Knights. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in five games and recorded two tackles along with half a sack, giving him an early taste of collegiate competition. Following that season, he made the decision to transfer to James Madison University, a program with a strong tradition in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
At James Madison, Carter’s development accelerated. As a sophomore, he appeared in all 15 games as a reserve, tallying 28 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, four quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups. His junior year saw him start all 13 games and collect 58 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, marking his emergence as a dominant FCS defensive lineman. He capped his college career with a senior season in which he started all 16 games and posted 66 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 13 quarterback hurries, earning him widespread recognition across the subdivision.
Rondell Carter Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Carter’s final two college seasons at James Madison established him as one of the top defensive linemen in the Colonial Athletic Association. His 2018 and 2019 campaigns featured back-to-back All-CAA and All-ECAC selections, a reflection of his consistency and production against top FCS competition. Over those two seasons, he accumulated 124 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, and 19.5 sacks, demonstrating the type of pass-rushing productivity that professional scouts covet.
His dominance in 2019 was especially notable, as he was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year, ECAC FCS Defensive Player of the Year, and earned FCS All-American honors. These awards highlighted his standing among the best defensive players in subdivision football and set the stage for his transition to the next level.
NFL Breakthrough (2020–2022)
Although Carter went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2020. The Cowboys offered him a $145,000 guarantee and converted him to a 3-technique defensive tackle during training camp. After being waived during final roster cuts, he was quickly signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad before being claimed by the Indianapolis Colts on September 30, 2020. He spent time on the Colts’ active roster as a healthy scratch before being waived on November 10, 2020.
The Dallas Cowboys claimed Carter off waivers the next day, and he later signed a contract extension with the team on March 10, 2021. He was waived by Dallas in late August 2021 and bounced between several practice squads and short stints on active rosters with the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots through 2022. During this period, he appeared in limited regular-season action, with his career NFL statistics reflecting a single total tackle, underscoring the challenge of sticking on a 53-man roster as a late-bloomer from the FCS ranks.
Michigan Panthers Era (2023–Present)
On March 22, 2023, Carter signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He appeared in five games with five starts during the 2023 USFL season, recording four tackles and one sack before being placed on injured reserve on May 9, 2023. The Panthers re-signed Carter on August 16, 2024, signaling the organization’s continued faith in his pass-rushing potential.
Now in the 2025 season, Carter continues to anchor a defensive line that values his FCS pedigree and NFL experience. His ability to play multiple positions along the front and his refined pass-rushing technique have made him a reliable rotational piece for the Panthers’ defensive scheme.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carter is known for his quick first step, leverage at the line of scrimmage, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass game. His college production at James Madison suggests his greatest strength lies in penetrating the backfield, where his 40 career tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks over his final two seasons demonstrated elite disruption skills. Coaches have valued his positional flexibility, having played both defensive end and 3-technique defensive tackle.
Notable Events and Milestones
Carter’s 2019 senior season at James Madison stands as the signature stretch of his career, with 27 tackles for loss and 12 sacks that placed him among the national leaders in FCS. He was a key contributor in the national championship game against North Dakota State University, recording seven tackles and a half sack. His undrafted free agent signing with the Dallas Cowboys and subsequent contract extension also mark notable early professional milestones.
Rondell Carter Career Wins
Carter’s career has been defined more by statistical production and team contributions than by championship victories. His most decorated stretch came during his time at James Madison, where his 2019 individual awards reflected one of the most productive defensive seasons in program history. As a professional, his wins have come primarily in the form of roster opportunities, with each practice squad signing and contract extension representing a small victory in a competitive league environment.
James Madison Highlights
At James Madison, Carter was a two-time All-CAA and two-time All-ECAC selection, anchoring the Dukes’ defensive line during one of the most successful eras in program history. His senior season totals of 27 tackles for loss and 12 sacks tied for third in school history for single-season sacks, a testament to his impact as a pass rusher. He finished his JMU career with a national championship game appearance against North Dakota State.
Other Wins and Performances
In the USFL with the Michigan Panthers, Carter has continued to contribute as a starting defensive end, recording his first USFL sack in 2023. While his professional playing time has been limited, his perseverance through multiple NFL practice squad stops and a successful transition to spring football highlight a career built on resilience.
Rondell Carter Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Carter’s family background remains limited, and no verified details about his parents or siblings are available in current sources.
Personal Life
Ron’Dell Lamaree Carter maintains a presence on social media under the handle @rdcee_. Limited public information is available regarding his marital status, spouse, or children, and he has generally kept his personal life private throughout his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 USFL season represents an opportunity for Carter to build on his re-signing with the Michigan Panthers and showcase the consistency that defined his college career. Following a 2023 campaign that included five starts and a sack before an injured reserve placement, Carter enters 2025 with a chance to remain healthy and contribute over a full season. The Panthers’ defensive line will look to him for veteran leadership and the same backfield disruption he displayed at James Madison.
With his versatility along the defensive front and proven track record against the run and pass, Carter is positioned to play a meaningful rotational role for Michigan. A productive 2025 campaign could also open doors for a return to NFL opportunities, given his prior practice squad experience with multiple franchises. His 2025 outlook ultimately depends on his health, his ability to translate FCS production to the professional level, and his continued development as a pass rusher.