Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Carson Palmer

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Carson Palmer made an impact.

Carson Palmer is a retired American football quarterback who played 15 seasons in the NFL. A standout at USC, he won the Heisman Trophy in 2002. He was drafted first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Palmer played for the Bengals, Oakland Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals. He had a productive career, marked by strong arm talent and leadership, although team success varied throughout his time in the league.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: Boomer Esiason in 1988

In 1988, Boomer Esiason made the Pro Bowl.

1989: Boomer Esiason in 1989

In 1989, Boomer Esiason made the Pro Bowl.

1990: Last Winning Season

In 2005, the Palmer-led Bengals had their first winning season since 1990, ending 15 years of futility.

1990: First 3-0 start

In Week 3 of an unspecified year, Palmer threw 3 more touchdown passes against the Chicago Bears to improve to 3–0, the first time the Bengals have started the season 3–0 since 1990.

1991: First Freshman Quarterback

Since Rob Johnson in 1991, Carson Palmer became the first true freshman quarterback to start for USC.

1998: Enrolls at USC and plays against Purdue

In 1998, Carson Palmer entered the University of Southern California and played against Purdue, going 3-of-6 for 79 passing yards.

1999: Paul Hackett Coach

In 1999, Carson Palmer was coached by Paul Hackett who eventually stepped down as head coach.

1999: Starting Quarterback and Collarbone Injury

In 1999, Carson Palmer was named the starting quarterback for the Trojans. On September 25th, during a game against Oregon, he broke his collarbone while scrambling, effectively ending his season.

2000: Paul Hackett Stepped Down

Following a 6–6 record in 1999 and a 5–7 record in 2000, Paul Hackett stepped down as head coach.

2000: Returns to Starting Role

In 2000, after being sidelined for 11 months, Carson Palmer returned to his starting quarterback role, leading the Trojans to multiple comeback wins and earning PAC-10 Offensive Player of the Week.

2001: Pete Carroll's first season

2001 marked Pete Carroll's first season with USC, Carson Palmer threw 21/28 completions, 213 passing yards, and an interception in the season opener against San Jose State.

2001: Jon Kitna Signed

In 2001, Jon Kitna signed with the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent and took every snap during the 2003 season.

2002: Senior Year at USC

In 2002, Carson Palmer returned to USC for a fifth year, resumed his role as starting quarterback, and was voted team captain, achieving numerous records and accolades throughout the season.

2002: Wins the Heisman Award

In 2002, Carson Palmer won the Heisman Award, outpacing Brad Banks and Larry Johnson.

2002: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 2002, Carson Palmer won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football for the USC Trojans.

July 23, 2003: Signs with Cincinnati Bengals

On July 23, 2003, Carson Palmer signed a six-year contract worth $42.69 million with the Cincinnati Bengals after being drafted first overall.

2003: Orange Bowl MVP

In 2003, Carson Palmer played his last collegiate game in the Orange Bowl against Iowa, finishing with 21 of 31 completions, 303 passing yards, and a touchdown, while also being named the game's MVP.

2003: Drafted into the NFL

In 2003, Carson Palmer was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL draft.

2004: Starting Quarterback for Bengals

In 2004, Carson Palmer was given the starting quarterback position for the Bengals and started 13 games, finishing the season with an 8-8 record.

December 29, 2005: Contract Extension with the Bengals

On December 29, 2005, Carson Palmer signed a six-year contract extension with the Bengals through the 2014 season worth $118.75 million over nine years.

2005: Breakout Season and Pro Bowl Honors

In 2005, Carson Palmer had a breakout season, leading the league in passing touchdowns and completion percentage. He also led the Bengals to their first winning season and playoff appearance in 15 years and earned Pro Bowl honors.

2005: Bengals Playoff Appearance

In 2005, Carson Palmer played for the Bengals, and they made the playoffs.

2005: 2005 Season

In 2005, the Bengals had a record of 11-5.

2005: Bengals Last Division Title

In 2005, the Bengals won their division title. The next time the Bengals won their division was 2009.

2005: Winning Season and AFC North Title

In 2005, the Carson Palmer-led Bengals ended 15 years of futility by notching their first winning season since 1990 and winning the AFC North division with an 11–5 record.

January 8, 2006: Injury in Playoff Game

On January 8, 2006, during the Bengals' first pass play against the Steelers, Carson Palmer threw a 66-yard pass to Chris Henry but was injured after a hit by Kimo von Oelhoffen, resulting in severe knee damage and sidelining him for the game which the Steelers won. The Steelers advanced and eventually won Super Bowl XL.

August 28, 2006: Palmer's Preseason Debut

On August 28, 2006, Carson Palmer made his return in a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, completing 9 of 14 passes for 140 yards and three touchdowns. This performance reinforced his determination to start in the Bengals' season opener, following his recovery from a serious knee injury.

September 10, 2006: Palmer Aims for Season Opener

On September 10, 2006, Carson Palmer vowed to be the starting quarterback for the Bengals in the regular season opener against Kansas City, despite his recent knee surgery. Head coach Marvin Lewis expressed confidence in Palmer's recovery and readiness for the season.

2006: Palmer's 2006 Season

In the 2006 season, Carson Palmer started all 16 games for the Bengals, passing for a franchise-record 4,035 yards and 28 touchdowns, earning a 93.9 rating, and making the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive year. Despite his individual success, the Bengals' record slipped to 8-8, missing the playoffs.

2007: Off-season Workouts

During the 2007 off-season, Palmer scheduled workouts with Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Tab Perry. He also stated that he was fully comfortable with his knee after recovery from the surgery.

2009: Bengals Playoff Appearance

In 2009, Carson Palmer played for the Bengals, and they made the playoffs.

2009: Palmer's 2009 Season

In the 2009 season, Palmer led the Bengals to their first winning season and division title since 2005. He finished the season with 3,094 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 83.6. However, the Bengals lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Jets.

2010: 2010 Season

During the 2010 Hall of Fame Game, Palmer completed 2 of 5 passes for 18 yards, both to Terrell Owens. The Bengals started the 2010 season with a 2-1 record, but finished with a 4-12 record. Statistically, Palmer improved with higher attempts, completion percentage, yardage, and touchdowns but threw more interceptions.

2010: Palmer Requests Trade

Following the Bengals' 4-12 season in 2010, Carson Palmer requested a trade. The Bengals' president, Mike Brown, rejected the request. Palmer indicated his willingness to retire and expressed dissatisfaction with the team's lack of success.

2010: Bengals Draft Receivers

In the 2010 NFL draft, the Bengals selected Jermaine Gresham, Jordan Shipley, and Dezmon Briscoe to bolster their receiving corps. During organized team activities, Palmer asserted his leadership by publicly calling out Chad Ochocinco for not being present with the team.

July 26, 2011: Bengals President Addresses Palmer's Status

On July 26, 2011, Bengals president Mike Brown stated in a press conference that he did not expect Carson Palmer to return for the 2011 season and had no plans to trade him, despite Palmer's stated intention to retire.

July 29, 2011: Palmer Placed on Reserve List

On July 29, 2011, Carson Palmer was placed on the reserve/did not report list after failing to attend training camp, furthering the conflict between him and the Bengals organization.

October 18, 2011: Palmer Traded to the Raiders

On October 18, 2011, the Bengals traded Carson Palmer to the Oakland Raiders after the Raiders lost their starting quarterback. The Bengals received a first-round pick in 2012 and a conditional second-round pick in 2013. Palmer then signed a new four-year contract worth $43 million.

2012: Palmer's Performance with the Raiders

In 2012, Carson Palmer played for the Oakland Raiders. He led the Raiders to a 34-31 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overall the Palmer-led Raiders had a slow start to the season.

2012: Bengals Select Dre Kirkpatrick in 2012

In 2012, the Bengals selected Dre Kirkpatrick.

April 2, 2013: Palmer Traded to Arizona Cardinals

On April 2, 2013, Carson Palmer was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for draft picks. He signed a two-year restructured contract worth $16 million.

2013: Trade to the Arizona Cardinals

In 2013, Carson Palmer was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, revitalizing his career.

2013: Bengals Select Gio Bernard in 2013

In 2013, the Bengals selected Gio Bernard.

November 7, 2014: Contract Extension with Cardinals

On November 7, 2014, Carson Palmer agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million contract extension with the Cardinals.

November 9, 2014: ACL Re-Tear and Season Ending Injury

On November 9, 2014, Carson Palmer re-tore his ACL in a game against the St. Louis Rams, ending his season and requiring him to be placed on the injured reserve list. The Cardinals were impacted by numerous injuries and suspensions that season.

2014: Contract last until 2014

On December 29, 2005, Carson Palmer signed a six-year contract extension with the Bengals through the 2014 season.

2014: Conditional Pick in 2014 NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals traded a conditional pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

2015: Successful Season with the Cardinals

In 2015, Carson Palmer led the Cardinals to a division title and an NFC Championship Game appearance. He was also named to his third Pro Bowl and received second-team All-Pro honors.

2015: Forbes Estimate and Charitable Pledge

In 2015, Forbes estimated that Palmer's annual income was $29 million. He and his wife also pledged to make a $300,000 challenge gift for Compassion International's "Fill the Stadium" initiative.

2015: Palmer's Best Season and MVP Candidacy

In 2015, Palmer had his best season, recording 35 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, going 13-3 as a starter, winning the NFC West, and securing a first-round bye. He was considered an MVP candidate but lost to Cam Newton.

August 5, 2016: Contract Extension with Cardinals

On August 5, 2016, Palmer signed a one-year, $24.35 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals.

2016: NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2016, Palmer was ranked 12th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players list after his performance in the previous year.

October 26, 2017: Placed on Injured Reserve

On October 26, 2017, Palmer was placed on injured reserve after being diagnosed with a broken left arm during Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, effectively ruling him out for at least eight weeks.

2017: Retirement from NFL

Following the 2017 regular season, after spending much of the year on injured reserve, Carson Palmer retired from professional football.

January 2, 2018: Retirement from the NFL

On January 2, 2018, Carson Palmer announced his retirement from the NFL, holding notable ranks in passing yards and touchdowns.

2024: Return to Santa Margarita as Coach

In 2024, Palmer returned to Santa Margarita as a volunteer coach for the freshman team, on which his son played. By the end of the season, he was appointed as the head coach of the varsity team.