Graduel Christopher Darin "Cris" Carter[1] (born November 25, 1965) is a former American football and Hall of Fame player in the National Football League. He played wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles (1987–89), the Minnesota Vikings (1990–2001) and the Miami Dolphins (2002).[2]
After starting for the Ohio State University Buckeyes, Carter was drafted by the Eagles in the 4th round of the1987 NFL supplemental draft. While in Philadelphia, head coach Buddy Ryan helped to coin one of ESPN'sChris Berman's famous quotes about Carter: "All he does is catch touchdown passes." He was let go by Ryan in 1989, however, due to off-the-field issues. Carter was signed by the Vikings and turned his life and career around, becoming a two-time First-team, one-time Second-team All-Pro and playing in 8 straight Pro Bowls. When he left the Vikings after 2001, he held most of the team career receiving records. He briefly played for the Dolphins in 2002 before retiring.[3]
Since retiring from the NFL, Carter has worked as an analyst on HBO's Inside the NFL, ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown, and online at Yahoo Sports.[4] He also works as an assistant coach at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where his son played wide receiver. Carter resides in Boca Raton, Florida. He is the brother of former NBA player and coach Butch Carter.[5]
After six years, and five finalist selections, Carter was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 2, 2013.[6] To date, he is the only player drafted in the Supplemental draft to eventually be elected into the Hall of Fame.
At the time of his retirement, Carter's 1,101 career receptions and 130 touchdowns as a receiver placed him second in NFL history behind Jerry Rice, although his totals have since been surpassed by Marvin Harrison (receptions) and by Randy Moss and Terrell Owens (touchdown receptions). He is one of eight players in NFL history with 1,000 or more receptions. He was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. Carter was one of fifteen finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2008, but was not elected in a surprise to some commentators. Carter was once again excluded in 2009 and again in 2010 as receivers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown became eligible for the first time, though Brown did not make it.[16] Additionally, Andre Reed was another possible candidate that diminished Carter's chance for enshrinement in 2010. In 2011, he also did not make it despite not having a single wide receiver in the class.
NFL Network's NFL's Top 10 placed him atop the list of wide receivers with the best hands.[17]
On February 2, 2013 Carter was announced as an inductee into the Hall of Fame Class of 2013 along with Bill Parcells, Larry Allen, Jonathan Ogden, Warren Sapp,Curley Culp and Dave Robinson.[18]