Anthony Carter: The Michigan Wolverine Who Soared

Born on September 17, 1960, in Riviera Beach, Florida, Anthony Carter was a dynamic wide receiver whose speed and agility left a lasting mark on both college and professional football.

• A spectacular, playmaking receiver who excelled at every level.

College Career

Anthony Carter became a legend at the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1982. A three-time All-American, he was known for his electrifying playmaking ability, particularly on punt returns. In 1980, he was a key part of the Michigan team that went 10-2, won the Big Ten Championship, and defeated Washington in the Rose Bowl. A two-time Big Ten MVP, Carter finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1982. He left Michigan as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (161), receiving yards (3,076), and touchdown catches (31). His collegiate career was so spectacular that he was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Road to the Pro Game

Following his college career, Carter’s path to the NFL was unique. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 1983 NFL Draft but opted to sign with the Michigan Panthers of the fledgling USFL, a team that also selected him in their draft. Carter dominated the USFL, helping lead the Panthers to the inaugural USFL Championship in 1983. He was named MVP of the title game and was an All-USFL selection in 1984. When the USFL folded, Carter’s NFL rights were traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he joined forces with quarterback Tommy Kramer and later Wade Wilson.

Football Legacy

His incredible run defines Anthony Carter’s NFL legacy as one of the league’s most exciting wide receivers in the late 1980s. With his unique combination of quickness and body control, he became a favorite target for quarterbacks. He helped the Vikings reach the NFC Championship game in 1987, where his stellar postseason performance included a remarkable one-handed catch. Carter’s career with the Vikings spanned from 1985 to 1993, and he finished his professional career with a single season with the Detroit Lions in 1994.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

• NFL Career Stats: 486 receptions, 7,636 receiving yards, 55 touchdowns.
• Accolades & Awards:
  • 3x Pro Bowl Selection (1987, 1988, 1989)
  • 2x All-Pro (1987, 1988)
  • College Football Hall of Fame (2001)
  • 2x Big Ten MVP (1981, 1982)
  • 3x Consensus All-American (1980, 1981, 1982)
  • USFL Champion (1983)
  • USFL Championship Game MVP (1983)