Athletes - Anthony Carter

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	Athletes - Anthony Carter

Anthony Carter (born September 17, 1960) was an American football wide receiver. He finished his college career as the University of Michigan's all-time leading receiver, and played professionally for thirteen years in the National Football League and the United States Football League.

College

Carter played for U of M from 1979-1982. Although the Wolverines employed an offense that relied mostly on its running backs, he was one of the most productive receivers in the school's history. Standing five feet, eleven inches tall and weighing only 160 lbs., Carter relied on his speed to make plays, and provided an effective counterpoint to coach Bo Schembechler's slow-and-steady game plan. In addition to his duties as a receiver, he was also the team's kickoff and punt returner for most of his career.

During his freshman season Carter was used sparingly. He caught more than two passes in a game only once that season, but made the most it when the ball was thrown to him. Seven of his seventeen recpetions were touchdowns, and he averaged 27.2 yards per catch. By his sophomore year he was the Wolverines primary option at receiver. That season he became the first second-year player to by voted Michigan team Most Valuable Player. A three-time All-American, he was name Big Ten Conference MVP his senior season, and finished fourth in voting for the Heisman Trophy.

At the time he graduated, Carter held nearly every Michigan career receiving and return record. He was the team's all time leader in touchdowns (40), receptions (161), and all-purpose yards (3,076). His average of 17.4 yards-per-play was an NCAA record.

In 2001 Carter was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Professional

Upon graduating from college, Anthony Carter chose to play in the upstart USFL, rather than in the NFL. The league employed territorial draft, aimed at sending players to teams whose fans were already familiar with them. Because of this unique system, the Michigan Panthers were allowed to select Carter prior to the league's traditional draft.

1983 was Carter's first season with the Panthers and one of his most successful as a professional. Although the team started 1-4, the finished the regular season 12-6 and went on to defeat the Philadelphia Stars to win the first USFL championship. With his team behind late in the fourth quarter, he scored the game-winning touchdown on a 48 yard pass from Bobby Hebert. He finished the game with nine reception for 179 yards. For the season, he gained 1,081 yard on 60 catches, nine of them touchdowns.

Carter's 1984 season was cut short after only six game when his arm was broken in a game against the San Antonio Gunslingers. Before the 1985 season the Panthers merged with the Oakland Invaders. In his last USFL season, he led his team in receiving yards (1323), receptions (70), and receiving touchdowns (14).

When the USFL folded after the 1985 season, Carter signed with the NFL's Miami Dolphins. However, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings before playing a game with the team. He led the Vikings in receptions five of his first six seasons with the team, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1987 and 1988. Although Cris Carter became the team's number one receiver in 1991, Anthony Carter remained an effective offensive weapon through 1993, his final season with the team.

Carter's NFL career is perhaps best remembered for his performance against the San Francisco 49ers in the 1987 playoffs. He caught 10 receptions for 227 yards against the heavily-favored Niners, leading the Vikings to a surprise victory.

The final two years of Carter's career were spent in the city where it began, this time with the Detroit Lions. Most of his time with the Lions was spent attempting to come back from injury. He played in only four games in 1994, and failed to catch a pass in 1995.

Records and achievements

University of Michigan MVP - 1980, 1982
Big Ten MVP - 1980, 1982
All-Big Ten - 1980, 1981, 1982
All-American - 1980, 1981, 1982
Big Ten MVP - 1980, 1982
Heisman Trophy Voting - 1980, 10th; 1981, 7th; 1982, 4th
University of Michigan records
*1st, kick return yards
*2nd, receiving touchdowns
*2nd, yards per reception
*2nd, punt return yards
*4th, receiving yards
1983 Sporting News All-USFL team (as a punt returner)
NFL All-Pro - 1987, 1988

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Athletes - Anthony Carter

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