History of Cris Carter in Timeline

Cris Carter is a former American football wide receiver renowned as one of the greatest in NFL history. His career spanned from 1987 to 2002, during which he played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins. His exceptional skills and significant contributions to the sport have solidified his legacy in football.

November 25, 1965: Birth of Cris Carter

Cris Carter was born on November 25, 1965, in Troy, OH.

1985: Legendary Catch at the Citrus Bowl

During the 1985 Citrus Bowl, Carter made an extraordinary catch on a pass thrown away by quarterback Jim Karsatos, which Karsatos later described as the greatest catch in college football history.

1987: Carter's Rookie Season with the Eagles

Carter began his professional career with limited action, catching 5 passes for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns, with his first catch being a 22-yard touchdown against the St. Louis Cardinals.

1987: Ineligibility and Missed Senior Season

Carter's signing with agent Norby Walters led to his ineligibility for his senior year, impacting Ohio State's season and costing him a chance to even his record against Michigan.

1987: Cris Carter Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

Cris Carter was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL supplemental draft.

1987: NFC Championship Game

In 1987, the Minnesota Vikings reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time, setting the stage for future playoff runs.

1988: Increased Role in Eagles Offense

Carter's involvement in the Eagles' offense grew as he caught 39 passes for 761 yards and tied for the team lead with 6 touchdowns.

1989: Emergence as Primary Red Zone Threat

Carter excelled as the Eagles' primary red zone receiver, leading the team with 11 touchdown catches, placing him third in the NFC, and recording 45 receptions for 605 yards.

1989: Released by the Eagles

Despite a successful season as the primary red zone receiver, Carter was released by the Eagles due to off-field issues.

1989: Vikings Last NFC Central Division Title

The Minnesota Vikings' 1992 NFC Central Division title marked their first since 1989.

September 4, 1990: Minnesota Vikings Claim Carter

The Minnesota Vikings signed Cris Carter off waivers for $100 after his release from the Philadelphia Eagles.

1990: First Winning Season in a Decade

The Vikings' 2001 season marked their first losing season since 1990, highlighting a period of previous success.

1991: Carter Becomes Vikings' Top Receiver

Cris Carter emerged as the Minnesota Vikings' leading receiver, recording 72 receptions, 962 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

January 10, 1992: Dennis Green Becomes Vikings Head Coach

Following Jerry Burns's retirement, Dennis Green was named the new head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and began restructuring the team.

1992: 1992 Season Low

Cris Carter's production in 2001 was his lowest since 1992, reflecting challenges faced during the season.

1992: Vikings Return to Prominence, Carter Injured

The Vikings, with Carter as their main receiving threat, won the NFC Central Division title, their first since 1989. However, Carter suffered a broken collarbone, ending his season prematurely.

1993: Carter's Breakout Season

With Jim McMahon as quarterback, Carter had a breakout season, achieving career highs in receptions (86), receiving yards (1,071), and receiving touchdowns (9), all team highs. This earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.

1994: Moon and Carter Connect, Set Records

The arrival of veteran quarterback Warren Moon led to Carter setting the then-NFL single-season reception record with 122. Carter also led the Vikings with 1,256 receiving yards and earned First-Team All-Pro honors.

1995: Carter's Best Statistical Season

Carter had his most statistically impressive season, catching 122 passes for a career-high 1,371 yards and leading the NFL with 17 touchdown receptions, earning him Second-Team All-Pro honors.

1995: Herman Moore Breaks Reception Record

Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore surpassed Cris Carter's single-season reception record of 122, which Carter set in 1994.

1995: 1995 Season Highlights

In 1995, Cris Carter had one of his best seasons, catching 90 passes for 1,241 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Vikings defeated the Cowboys in the Wild Card round but lost to the Rams in the next playoff game.

1996: 1996 Season and Playoffs

In 1996, Cris Carter thrived under new QB Brad Johnson, catching 96 passes for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Vikings made the playoffs with a 9–7 record but were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys 40–15 in the Wild Card round. Carter earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection that year.

1997: 1997 Season Highlights

In 1997, Cris Carter led the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions and had 89 catches for 1,069 yards. He dazzled fans with spectacular catches and was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl. The Vikings had a dramatic playoff win over the Giants but were subsequently defeated by the 49ers.

1998: 1998 Season and NFC Championship

The Vikings, bolstered by rookie Randy Moss, had a dominant 1998 season, finishing with a 15–1 record and setting a then-league record for points scored. Cris Carter caught 78 passes for 1,011 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection. Despite entering the NFC Championship game as heavy favorites, the Vikings lost to the Falcons in overtime.

2000: Selection to Ohio State Football All-Century Team

Cris Carter was selected as a member of the Ohio State Football All-Century Team in 2000.

2000: 2000 Season and Milestone

In 2000, Cris Carter had 96 receptions for 1,274 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning his eighth Pro Bowl selection. On November 30, he became the second player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions.

2001: Carter Leaves the Vikings

After a successful career with the Minnesota Vikings, holding multiple team receiving records, Carter departs from the team.

2001: 2001 Season and Departure from Vikings

In 2001, the Vikings had a disappointing 5–11 season. Cris Carter's performance dipped to 73 catches, 871 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Following the season, Carter exercised an out clause in his contract, ending his career with the Vikings.

2002: 2002 Spring and Return to NFL

In the spring of 2002, Cris Carter explored options with the Rams, Browns, and Dolphins but initially joined HBO's Inside the NFL as an analyst on May 21. On October 21, he returned to the field with the Miami Dolphins to support their injury-depleted receiving corps.

2003: Induction into Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame

In 2003, Carter was inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame.

2005: 2005 NFL Street 2 Appearance

Cris Carter appeared in the 2005 sports video game NFL Street 2 as a wide receiver for the NFL Gridiron Legends team.

2008: 2008 Hall of Fame Nomination

Cris Carter was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2008 but was not elected, a surprise to many commentators.

2008: 2008 NFL Rookie Symposium

Cris Carter was a speaker at the 2008 NFL Rookie Symposium, where he shared advice with new players.

2008: 2008 Career Highlights

In 2008, Cris Carter was a host on HBO's Inside the NFL, an NFL Analyst for Yahoo Sports and ESPN, and a faculty member at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. His son played wide receiver there. He also owned Cris Carter's FAST Program in South Florida and served as an ordained minister.

2009: 2009 NFL Rookie Symposium

Cris Carter spoke again at the 2009 NFL Rookie Symposium, continuing his role in educating young players.

2009: 2009 Hall of Fame Exclusion

Cris Carter was again excluded from the Hall of Fame in 2009 as receivers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown became eligible.

2009: Son's College Football Career

In 2009, Cris Carter's son, Duron Carter, played wide receiver at Ohio State, continuing the family's football legacy.

2010: 2010 Hall of Fame Exclusion

Cris Carter did not make it to the Hall of Fame in 2010 despite not having a single wide receiver in the class.

2010: Son's College Football Career Continues

In 2010, Duron Carter played for Coffeyville Community College, furthering his football career.

2011: 2011 Hall of Fame Exclusion

Cris Carter was once again excluded from the Hall of Fame in 2011, adding to his series of near-misses.

February 2, 2013: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

After six years of eligibility and five finalist selections, Carter was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 2, 2013.

September 15, 2014: Carter Reveals Name Change Origin

On ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike", Carter shared that he unofficially changed his name to Cris, inspired by Cris Collinsworth, during 7th grade. He stated his legal name remains Christopher on official documents.

2014: 2014 NFL Rookie Symposium

At the 2014 NFL Rookie Symposium, Cris Carter advised players to have a 'fall guy' to take blame if they got into trouble. The comment, revealed in 2015, led to backlash and an apology from Carter.

2015: 2015 Pro Bowl Coach

In 2015, Cris Carter was chosen to be a coach for a team in the Pro Bowl, alongside former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin.

2015: 2015 Controversy and Apology

In 2015, Cris Carter's 2014 advice at the NFL Rookie Symposium to have a 'fall guy' was revealed, leading to an apology from Carter and statements from the NFL and ESPN distancing themselves from the comment.

December 2016: Hired by Fox Sports

In December 2016, Cris Carter was hired by Fox Sports as a football analyst, marking a new chapter in his broadcasting career.

May 2017: Morning Show Co-Host

In May 2017, Cris Carter's role at Fox Sports expanded as he was announced as a co-host for the morning show First Things First, which premiered on September 5, 2017.

September 5, 2017: First Things First Show Premiere

First Things First, co-hosted by Cris Carter, premiered on September 5, 2017, adding to his role at Fox Sports.

2017: Carter Joins First Things First

In 2017, Carter began co-hosting First Things First with Nick Wright on FS1.

2018: Award Renamed in Honor of Alan Page

Previously named the Byron 'Whizzer' White NFL Man of the Year Award, the award was renamed in the fall of 2018 in honor of Alan Page.

November 2019: End of Tenure at Fox Sports

Cris Carter's tenure at Fox Sports ended in November 2019 following a suspension, concluding his role there.

2019: Termination from First Things First

Carter was terminated from the show "First Things First" following a suspension and investigation in 2019.

2021: Joined Good Morning Football

Since 2021, Cris Carter has been part of Good Morning Football as an analyst, continuing his broadcasting career.

2023: Joined Florida Atlantic

In fall 2023, Cris Carter joined Florida Atlantic under head coach Tom Herman as a volunteer coach. Following the season, he was promoted to executive director of player engagement.