Carson Palmer's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Carson Palmer.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

March 2009: Palmer Declares Full Recovery

In March 2009, Carson Palmer announced that he was "100 percent" recovered from his elbow injury.

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.

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: 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.