BOCA RATON, Fla. – Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter has joined the Florida Atlantic University football staff as the Executive Director of Player Engagement, announced Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman, Wednesday afternoon.
“We are thrilled and very excited to welcome Cris Carter to the Florida Atlantic Football Family,” said Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Tom Herman. “His knowledge and experience will help our program immensely through mentoring our players, providing an NFL mindset and logic to decision making, and also making a huge impact on our #TriCountyTakeover recruiting.”
Carter, a Pro Football 2013 Inductee, amassed 13,899 receiving yards, 1,101 receptions, and 130 touchdowns playing 16 NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (1987-1989), Minnesota Vikings (1990-2001) and the Miami Dolphins (2002).
Also known for his various television appearances, Carter was a two-sport high school athlete with scholarships to play both, but unlike his brother Butch, a basketball star at both Indiana and the NBA, Cris elected to play football at the Ohio State University where he became a consensus All-American selection following his junior campaign. The longtime Boca Raton resident has been instrumental as a mentor, motivational speaker, coach and television personality.
QUOTABLE
Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations
“As a former student and professional athlete, Cris Carter is uniquely experienced to engage peer-to-peer with student-athletes and be an invaluable resource as they balance the demands of academics, football, and community outreach,” said Vincent. “Cris’s communication skills and his heart for building relationships makes him a valuable team member for the total athlete experience and a tremendous institutional asset to FAU.”
Gene Smith, Senior VP and AD for The Ohio State University
“Cris is perfect for this position. His unique background provided him the experiences necessary to assist young men and help them grow through their collegiate experiences. As a student-athlete, professional athlete and successful businessman, he has a ton of experiences to share and help guide them as they develop.”
Deion Sanders, Colorado Football Head Coach
“Cris Carter was a player/coach when he played in the NFL and has always had an affinity to teach and reach young men wherever they were. FAU landed a tremendous coach in Coach Carter but a better man.”
Urban Meyer, Three-Time National Championship Head Coach
“One the greatest players of all time, Cris Carter. I have known Cris for over 35 years. As a college player, NFL Hall of Famer and as a friend. When I was Head Coach at the University of Florida and The Ohio State University, Cris would come speak to my teams, be at practice, mentor players and assist us in identifying and recruiting high school prospects. Regardless of his incredible career, Cris is one of the most self-less people I have ever met. Always willing to help a young person who was in need.”
Larry Fitzgerald Jr., 17-Year NFL Veteran
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Cris Carter since I was eight years old when he joined the Vikings in 1990, while my father covered the team. Throughout the years, Cris has been a mentor to me both personally and athletically. His dedication to helping young individuals achieve their aspirations is evident, and I’ve witnessed firsthand his passion for this. FAU will greatly benefit from his skill set and expertise as the program continues to positively impact the lives of student-athletes.”
NOTABLE
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (1999)
- Two Time First-team All-Pro (1994, 1999)
- Second-team All-Pro (1995)
- Eight Time Pro Bowl (1993–2000)
- NFL receptions leader (1994)
- Three Time NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1995, 1997, 1999)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
- Minnesota Vikings No. 80 retired
- Bart Starr Award (1995)
- Consensus All-American (1986)
- Florida Citrus Bowl champion (1985)
- Cotton Bowl champion (1987)
- One of four players to record at least 120 receptions in a season twice, 1994 and 1995 (Wes Welker, Antonio Brown, Michael Thomas)
- Most games with at least 12 receptions in a single season (4) in 1995
- One of three players (Clarke Gaines and Jerry Rice) to record at least 12 receptions in consecutive games
- Most consecutive games with 2 touchdown receptions (4) – tied with Calvin Johnson and Doug Baldwin
- Most consecutive seasons with at least 5 touchdown receptions, 1991–2001 (11) – Terrell Owens, Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison, Don Hutson, and Tim Brown
- Most consecutive seasons with at least 5 touchdowns, 1991–2001 (11) – Terrell Owens, Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison, Don Hutson, Tim Brown, and Frank Gore
- First player to record a 150-yard receiving game in three different decades (Jerry Rice is the only other player to do so)
- Member of 2013 Hall of Fame Class
