Tom Carter (born September 5, 1972) is a former American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was known for his speed and coverage skills throughout his professional career.
Early Life and College Career Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Tom Carter attended Mandarin High School, where he excelled in football. He then went on to play college football at the University of Notre Dame. As a standout cornerback for the Fighting Irish, Carter was a key defensive player. He was recognized for his athleticism and ball-hawking ability, earning first-team All-America honors in 1992 and 1993. During his college career, he recorded 13 interceptions, which ranks among the top totals in Notre Dame history. His impressive collegiate performance made him one of the top prospects in the 1994 NFL Draft.
Professional Career Tom Carter was selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round (17th overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft. He quickly became a starter for the Redskins, playing there for five seasons (1994–1998). During his tenure with Washington, he established himself as a reliable cornerback, known for his physicality and ability to cover top receivers.
In 1999, Carter signed with the Denver Broncos, where he played for two seasons (1999–2000). He contributed to their defense, bringing veteran experience to the secondary. Following his time with the Broncos, Carter played for the Chicago Bears in 2001. His final NFL season was in 2002 with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Over his nine-year NFL career, Tom Carter played in 129 games, recording 20 interceptions, which he returned for 363 yards and one touchdown. He also accumulated numerous pass deflections and tackles. His career was marked by consistent performance as a starting NFL cornerback.