Florida Atlantic football hired NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter as its Executive Director of Player Engagement, as announced by head coach Tom Herman.
“We are thrilled and very excited to welcome Cris Carter to the Florida Atlantic Football Family,” Herman said via an FAU Athletics release. “His knowledge and experience will help our program immensely through mentoring our players, providing an NFL mindset and logic to decision-making, and also making a huge impact on our #TriCountyTakeover recruiting.”
The addition of the eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver to the Owls’ staff received praise throughout the football world, including from fellow Hall of Famer and current Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, who matched up against Carter many times throughout his playing career.
“Cris Carter was a player/coach when he played in the NFL and has always had an affinity to teach and reach young men wherever they were,” Sanders said. “FAU landed a tremendous coach in Coach Carter but a better man.”
Former Arizona Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald, who accumulated 17,492 receiving yards throughout his 17-year career, also commented on FAU’s hiring of Carter.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Cris Carter since I was eight years old when he joined the Vikings in 1990, while my father covered the team. Throughout the years, Cris has been a mentor to me both personally and athletically. His dedication to helping young individuals achieve their aspirations is evident, and I’ve witnessed firsthand his passion for this,” Fitzgerald said. “FAU will greatly benefit from his skill set and expertise as the program continues to positively impact the lives of student-athletes.”
Carter played 16 seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins. He accumulated 1,101 receptions, 13,899 receiving yards and 130 receiving touchdowns and led the league in these three categories in 1995.
Since his playing days, Carter has made an effort to pave the way for the next generation of football talent. He has worked as an assistant coach at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) and helped mentor some of Urban Meyer’s teams at Florida and Ohio State.
“One of the greatest players of all time, Cris Carter. I have known Cris for over 35 years. As a college player, NFL Hall of Famer and as a friend. When I was Head Coach at the University of Florida and The Ohio State University, Cris would come speak to my teams, be at practice, mentor players and assist us in identifying and recruiting high school prospects,” Meyer said. “Regardless of his incredible career, Cris is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Always willing to help a young person who was in need.”
With his accomplished background as a player, coach and mentor, Carter will undoubtedly play a vital role in helping further the success of FAU’s football program.
