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Kerry Carter

Kerry Carter

Famed Mississauga running back turns into NFL special teams ace

2006

Carter, a 6'1, 238 pound running back from Mississauga, signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2003 and played all 16 games. Carter came to Seattle after a successful career at Stanford, finishing seventh on the school's career rushing list with 2039 yards on 538 carries and fourth in rushing touchdowns with 23. He led the school in rushing in 2000 and 2002. Carter last played with Washington during the 2007 preseason.

Carter impressed the Seahawks coaches with his willingness to do whatever it takes to make the team. Playing mainly special teams, Carter finished the season second on the team in kick return yards, but first in average (23.1 per return). Prior to this season, Carter had only returned two kicks in his college career.

Carter's on-field accolades mirror his off-field success. In 1998, he received one of Canada's most prestigious awards when he was the recipient of the Harry Jerome award, celebrated for excellence in student-athlete achievement in the African Canadian community. At Stanford, one of the top academic schools in the United States, Carter majored in cultural and social anthropology. He is also in the process of setting up a charitable foundation in Seattle, Toronto and California.

Carter was rated the #22 prospect in North America in 1999 by one recruiting service.

He caught the eye of recruiters in 1998 after rushing for more than 2300 yards and 22 touchdowns for the Mississauga Warriors, a community based summer football team in the Ontario Varsity Football League. Due to labour disruptions Carter only played two seasons (plus one game in his senior season) of high school football for Father Henry Carr. He rushed for more than 3000 yards and 44 touchdowns while leading his team to the Ontario championship in his first year.

A multi-sport star in high school, Carter also played basketball, volleyball and ran track. His younger brother Kern is a point guard for St. Bonaventure University. His youngest brother Kerchel attends Father Henry Carr and is considered one of the top rising point guards in Canada.

Carter's hard work, dedication and coachability are instilled by his mother, his greatest inspiration. "She made sacrifices for all of us. She was always going out of her way to accommodate us. No matter what any of us were doing she was there for support".

What's your favourite football moment? "The feeling of running out on a field in front of thousands of people is an exciting feeling, especially on Sundays. It makes the game fun".

What was the biggest transition you had to make going from Stanford to Seattle? "The margin of error and attention to detail. You have to be consistent. You get used to the speed of the game".

What advice would you give to aspiring football players in Canada? "Hard work and determination can get you where you want to go. Don't let anyone deter what you want to accomplish".

Who is the best athlete in your family? "It's hard to say. Kern is explosive in basketball. Kerchel has quick hands and feet and court vision".

Who was the biggest influence on you as a young athlete? "As a running back I watched Gale Sayers and Roger Craig. I took a lot of their good points and tried to pattern my game after them. But all around, it's guys who did more than just play the game, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, guys who left a great legacy and had good attitudes".