Anders Carlson has carved his niche in the competitive world of professional football as a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 16, 1998, Carlson’s journey to the highest level of the sport has been marked by collegiate success, draft day anticipation, and the challenges of navigating the early stages of his NFL career. This article delves into the informative details surrounding Anders Carlson, addressing the questions that football enthusiasts are searching for online.
Early Life and High School Career
Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Anders Carlson developed his athletic prowess at The Classical Academy. A three-sport athlete, he excelled not only in football but also in soccer and basketball. However, it was on the gridiron where his kicking talents truly shone.
During his high school football career, Carlson demonstrated remarkable accuracy and leg strength. As a sophomore in 2014, he connected on four of six field goal attempts, with a long of 44 yards, and successfully made nine out of ten extra-point attempts (PATs). His junior year saw further improvement, as he made 11 of 18 field goals, including a long of 52 yards, and converted 37 of 38 PATs.
Carlson’s exceptional kicking abilities garnered national recognition. He was considered a three-star college prospect and the highest-rated prep kicker recruit in the nation coming out of high school. ESPN ranked him among the top ten overall recruits in the state of Colorado. His talent attracted scholarship offers from several prominent programs, ultimately leading him to commit to play college football for the Auburn Tigers.
Collegiate Success at Auburn University (2017-2022)
Anders Carlson embarked on his college football journey with the Auburn Tigers in 2017, where he established himself as a consistent and impactful placekicker over five seasons. His tenure at Auburn was filled with accolades and record-breaking performances.
Carlson holds impressive career statistics at Auburn, ranking second in career field goals made (79) and second in career scoring (410 points). He also stands third in career PATs made (173). His consistency and reliability made him a vital asset to the Tigers’ special teams unit.
Throughout his Auburn career, Carlson earned numerous honors, including being a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American, a rare feat for an Auburn football player. He was also a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which recognizes the nation’s top college placekicker. His on-field achievements were complemented by his academic excellence, earning him multiple selections to the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Despite facing a torn ACL injury in his senior season (2021), Carlson’s overall impact on the Auburn program was significant. He displayed resilience and determination, returning to the field and continuing to perform at a high level. His strong leg and accuracy made him a weapon on field goals and kickoffs.
Professional Career in the NFL
Carlson’s successful college career paved the way for his entry into the NFL. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. This marked a significant milestone for Carlson, realizing his dream of playing professional football.
2023 Season with the Green Bay Packers
Carlson signed his rookie contract with the Packers on May 5, 2023. He entered the league with high expectations, aiming to solidify the Packers’ kicking game. However, his rookie season proved to be a learning experience with its share of challenges.
In the 2023 season, Carlson led the NFL in missed kicks with a total of thirteen. While he displayed moments of his strong leg and potential, consistency proved to be an area for improvement. A particularly scrutinized moment came during the Divisional Round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. With the Packers leading, Carlson missed a field goal that would have extended their lead to seven points, potentially altering the game’s outcome. The Packers ultimately lost 24-21, ending their season. Despite the miss, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and Carlson’s teammates publicly supported him, emphasizing that the loss was not solely attributable to the missed kick.
2024 Season: Navigating Transitions
Facing competition in the 2024 offseason, with the Packers signing Jack Podlesny and Greg Joseph, Carlson was eventually released by the team on August 27, 2024. This marked a turning point in his young NFL career, as he became a free agent for the initial part of the season.
However, Carlson’s talent did not go unnoticed. On October 15, 2024, he was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. He was subsequently elevated to the active roster for their Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 20, 2024. In this game, Carlson showcased his kicking prowess by making both of his field goal attempts, including a then career-long 55-yarder. However, he also missed an extra point attempt. His tenure with the 49ers was brief, as he was released on November 5, 2024.
Just three days later, on November 8, 2024, Carlson found a new opportunity with the New York Jets, signing to their practice squad. He was once again elevated to the active roster for the Week 11 game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 17, 2024. In this game, Carlson set a new personal record by successfully kicking a 58-yard field goal. He remained the Jets’ kicker for several weeks. However, he was surprisingly designated inactive for the December 29th game and subsequently released by the team the following day, December 30, 2024.
Despite this late-season release, the Jets showed continued faith in Carlson’s potential. On January 14, 2025, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the team. This type of contract ensures that the player will be part of the team’s roster in the upcoming offseason and have an opportunity to compete for a spot on the active roster for the 2025 season.
2025 Season and Beyond with the New York Jets
As of May 5, 2025, Anders Carlson is under a reserve/futures contract with the New York Jets. This signifies that the Jets see potential in his abilities and are giving him another chance to solidify his position within the team. The upcoming offseason and training camp will be crucial for Carlson to demonstrate his consistency and reliability as a placekicker. He will likely be competing for the starting kicker role and aiming to prove that he can be a long-term asset for the Jets.
Family Connections
Anders Carlson comes from a family with a strong football background. His brother, Daniel Carlson, is also a placekicker in the NFL, currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. Daniel was also an All-American kicker during his time at Auburn, highlighting the kicking talent within the Carlson family. The brothers have often supported each other throughout their football journeys.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Anders Carlson possesses the physical attributes typically desired for an NFL placekicker. He stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) and weighs around 220 pounds (100 kilograms). His height and leg length contribute to his powerful kicks.
As a kicker, Carlson is known for his strong leg and ability to hit field goals from long distances. His career-long of 58 yards, achieved with the Jets, showcases his range. However, as with many young kickers, consistency in accuracy, particularly on shorter and pressure-filled kicks, is an area that requires continuous refinement. His kickoff ability is also a valuable asset, aiming for touchbacks to limit opponent return opportunities.
FAQs
Who is Anders Carlson?
Anders Carlson is an American football placekicker born on June 16, 1998, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He played college football at Auburn University and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.
What is Anders Carlson’s current NFL team?
As of May 2025, Anders Carlson is a placekicker for the New York Jets. He joined the Jets in November 2024 and signed a reserve/futures contract with them in January 2025.
How did Anders Carlson perform in his rookie season with the Packers?
In the 2023 season with the Green Bay Packers, Carlson made 27 of 33 field goal attempts (81.8%) and 34 of 39 extra-point attempts (87.2%). He led the NFL in missed kicks that season.
What was Anders Carlson’s journey after leaving the Packers?
After his release from the Packers, Carlson briefly joined the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad in October 2024 and was elevated to the active roster for a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made both field goal attempts, including a career-long 55-yarder. He was released by the 49ers in November 2024. Subsequently, he signed with the New York Jets’ practice squad on November 8, 2024, and was promoted to the active roster later that month.
How has Anders Carlson performed with the New York Jets?
During his time with the Jets in the 2024 season, Carlson made 8 of 10 field goal attempts (80%) and 9 of 11 extra-point attempts (81.8%). He achieved a career-long 58-yard field goal in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
What are Anders Carlson’s career statistics up to 2024?
As of the end of the 2024 season, Carlson’s career statistics include:
Field Goals Made: 40
Field Goal Attempts: 48
Field Goal Percentage: 83.3%
Longest Field Goal: 58 yards
Extra Points Made: 46
Extra Point Attempts: 54
Does Anders Carlson have any notable family connections in the NFL?
Yes, Anders Carlson is the younger brother of Daniel Carlson, who is also an NFL placekicker currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. Both brothers played college football at Auburn University.
What is Anders Carlson’s educational background?
Carlson graduated from Auburn University in 2020 with a degree in aviation from the university’s College of Business. He has also been recognized for his academic achievements, earning SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition and CoSIDA Academic All-District honors during his college years.
What is known about Anders Carlson’s personal life?
Carlson is a Christian and has spoken about the importance of his faith in his life and career. He has stated, “I think the biggest thing for me is just knowing my identity. I think for me, faith is a really big thing. My current thing I’m doing is football, but that’s not who I am. I’m just focused on the things I can control, but knowing my identity is not in football, it’s in God.”
To conclude
Anders Carlson’s journey in the NFL reflects the challenges and resilience required to succeed as a professional athlete. From being drafted by the Green Bay Packers to facing performance challenges and eventually finding a place with the New York Jets, Carlson’s career trajectory showcases his determination and adaptability. His strong educational background and personal faith have provided a foundation that supports his professional endeavors. As he continues with the Jets, fans and analysts will be watching to see how he leverages his experiences to contribute to the team’s success.
To read more , click here
