History of Carlos Dunlap in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2024

Carlos Dunlap is a former American football defensive end. He played college football at the University of Florida, where he was part of the 2009 national championship team. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Dunlap enjoyed a successful NFL career.

February 28, 1989: Birth of Carlos Dunlap

Carlos Dunlap was born on February 28, 1989.

2007: University of Florida

Carlos Dunlap accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he played for coach Urban Meyer's Florida Gators football team starting in 2007.

2007: Freshman Season

In 2007, Carlos Dunlap played in 13 games, recording seven tackles and a quarterback sack during his freshman season.

2007: Top Recruit

In 2007, Carlos Dunlap was considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com and was listed as the No. 1 weakside defensive end in the nation.

2008: Sophomore Season

As a sophomore in 2008, Carlos Dunlap played in all 14 games, recording 39 tackles, a team-high 9.5 sacks, and three blocked punts.

2009: End of Time at University of Florida

Carlos Dunlap finished playing for the Florida Gators football team in 2009.

2009: Defensive MVP and All-SEC Selection

Carlos Dunlap was the defensive MVP of the Gators win over the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game, recording four tackles, and a shared sack during the game. He also was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2009.

2009: National Championship Victory

Carlos Dunlap won a National Championship while playing college football at the University of Florida in 2009.

2009: Junior Season, Suspension, and All-SEC Selection

Dunlap played in 13 games during his junior season in 2009, missing one game due to suspension after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. During the season, he recorded 38 tackles and nine sacks and was a consensus first-team All-SEC selection.

January 11, 2010: Forgoes Remaining Eligibility

On January 11, 2010, it was announced that Dunlap would forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

March 17, 2010: Florida Pro Day

Dunlap attended Florida's pro day and chose to perform multiple combine drills again. He improved his 40-yard dash (4.61s), 20-yard dash (2.68s), 10-yard dash (1.60s), bench press (22), and broad jump (9'4").

July 28, 2010: Signs with Cincinnati Bengals

On July 28, 2010, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Dunlap to a four-year, $3.71 million contract that included $1.77 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.22 million.

September 26, 2010: Professional Regular Season Debut

Dunlap made his professional regular season debut during the Bengals' 20–7 victory at the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 on September 26, 2010.

November 14, 2010: First Career Sack

On November 14, 2010, Dunlap recorded two solo tackles and made his first career sack during a 23–17 loss at the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10.

November 25, 2010: First Multi-Sack Game

Dunlap made three solo tackles and had two sacks on quarterback Mark Sanchez during a 26–10 loss at the New York Jets in Week 12 on November 25, 2010. He earned his first multi-sack performance of his career with his two sacks.

2010: Enters 2010 NFL Draft

Carlos Dunlap decided to forgo his senior season and enter the 2010 NFL draft.

2010: NFL Draft Selection

Carlos Dunlap was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft.

2010: Drafted by Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Dunlap in the second round (54th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft.

October 2, 2011: First Career Start

On October 2, 2011, Dunlap made his first career start in place of Robert Geathers.

November 6, 2011: Season-High Sacks

On November 6, 2011, Dunlap made three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and had a season-high two sacks on Titans' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in a 24–17 win at the Tennessee Titans.

January 7, 2012: First Career Playoff Game

Dunlap appeared in his first career playoff game on January 7, 2012.

July 15, 2013: Contract Extension

On July 15, 2013, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Dunlap to a five-year, $39.37 million contract extension with $11.70 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $8 million.

2015: Breakout Season and First Pro Bowl

Dunlap had a breakout season in 2015, recording a career best 13.5 sacks and earning his first Pro Bowl.

May 2016: Graduation from University of Miami

In May 2016, Dunlap graduated from the University of Miami with a Master of Business Administration.

2016: Ranked in NFL Top 100 Players

Carlos Dunlap was ranked 70th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2016: Second Pro Bowl

Dunlap earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2016.

2017: AFC Defensive Player of the Week

In week 8 of the 2017 season, Dunlap batted a pass from Colts' quarterback Jacoby Brissett and intercepted it and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown in a 24–23 win, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

August 28, 2018: Contract Extension with Bengals

On August 28, 2018, Dunlap signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension with the Bengals through the 2021 season.

October 28, 2020: Trade to the Seattle Seahawks

On October 28, 2020, Carlos Dunlap was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for B.J. Finney and a draft pick.

2020: Dunlap's Desire to Leave Cincinnati

In 2020, Carlos Dunlap expressed his desire to leave the Cincinnati Bengals due to reduced playing time and dissatisfaction with his usage, even going as far as publicly stating he was selling his Cincinnati home.

March 8, 2021: Brief Release from Seattle Seahawks

On March 8, 2021, Dunlap was released by the Seattle Seahawks.

March 30, 2021: Re-signing with Seattle Seahawks

Dunlap re-signed with the Seattle Seahawks on March 30, 2021, on a two-year contract.

2021: End of Contract

Carlos Dunlap's contract extension with the Bengals ended in 2021.

2021: Dunlap's Debut Season with the Seahawks

In 2021, Dunlap played his first season with the Seattle Seahawks, during which he recorded his first sack for the team against Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.