Anthony “A.C.” Carter (1960- ) was born in Riviera Beach, where he played football at Suncoast High School, running 87 yards for a touchdown in his first game.
After four years at the University of Michigan, Carter held nearly every football receiving and return record.In his freshman year, his final touchdown for a victory against Indiana is considered one of the greatest plays in the school’s history. Carter was voted Michigan’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice, Big-Ten Conference MVP once, and made All-Big Ten and All-American three times. He was voted fourth for the Heisman Trophy. His four-year average of 17.4 yards was the best ever for a full career in college football. In 2001 Carter was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.
When he turned professional in 1983, Carter chose to play in the U.S. Football League (USFL) instead of the National Football League (NFL). He left college thirty credits short of a degree to sign with the Michigan Panthers and helped them win the first USFL championship in his rookie year; he was named All-USFL. The Panthers merged with the Oakland Invaders in 1985, when Carter led the team in receiving yards, receptions, and receiving touchdowns.
When the USFL ended after the 1985 season, Carter moved to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, who had secured his NFL rights in 1983. Carter never played for the Dolphins, however, and was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, who he helped reach the NFC championship game; he was chosen for the Pro Bowl twice. Carter then played for the Detroit Lions for two years before retiring in 1995.
He and his wife, Kim, started the Anthony Carter Jr. Cerebral Palsy Foundation named for their son to help families offset medical costs. Carter also participates in the annual NFL Skills Camp in Riviera Beach every summer. He was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.