Bobby Carpenter (American football)

Bobby Carpenter (born August 1, 1983) is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (18th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State University.

Early Life and College Career

Carpenter was born in Lancaster, Ohio. He attended Lancaster High School, where he was a highly regarded football player. He committed to Ohio State University, where he played linebacker from 2002 to 2005. At Ohio State, Carpenter was a three-year starter and a two-time All-Big Ten selection. He was known for his hard-hitting style and strong tackling ability. He was also a member of the 2002 National Championship team.

Professional Career

Carpenter was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. His selection was met with some criticism, as he was considered by some to be a reach at that spot. He played for the Cowboys from 2006 to 2009, primarily as a backup and special teams player. He struggled to live up to his first-round billing, and was often criticized for his performance.

In 2010, Carpenter was traded to the St. Louis Rams. He played one season for the Rams before being released. He then signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2011, but was later released. He finished his NFL career with the Detroit Lions, playing for them in 2011 and 2012.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring from the NFL, Carpenter pursued a career in broadcasting. He has worked as a college football analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports. He provides commentary and analysis on games, drawing upon his experiences as a player.