HOW ACQUIRED:
Selected with the seventh pick in the second round (38th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
NFL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ranks third among tight ends in team history with 137 career receptions and 1,519 career yards. Tied for second with 13 touchdowns.
- Set club record for tight ends with seven touchdowns in 2009.
- In 2008, set club record for tight ends while leading team with 55 receptions and 627 receiving yards (Itula Mili 46 catches in 2003, Jerramy Stevens 554 yards in 2005). Led club with five receiving TDs tying Stevens’ 2005 record for tight ends.
- Second highest drafted tight end in club history (Jerramy Stevens, 2002). First player drafted out of Notre Dame since Rick Mirer in 1993. Second tight end drafted by club in second round (Christian Fauria, 1995).
HOW ACQUIRED:
Selected with the seventh pick in the second round (38th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
NFL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ranks third among tight ends in team history with 137 career receptions and 1,519 career yards. Tied for second with 13 touchdowns.
- Set club record for tight ends with seven touchdowns in 2009.
- In 2008, set club record for tight ends while leading team with 55 receptions and 627 receiving yards (Itula Mili 46 catches in 2003, Jerramy Stevens 554 yards in 2005). Led club with five receiving TDs tying Stevens’ 2005 record for tight ends.
- Second highest drafted tight end in club history (Jerramy Stevens, 2002). First player drafted out of Notre Dame since Rick Mirer in 1993. Second tight end drafted by club in second round (Christian Fauria, 1995).
COLLEGE:
Carlson developed into one of the elite tight ends in the country at Notre Dame. Played in 47 games at Notre Dame, starting 31 contests. Finished his career with 100 receptions for 1,093 yards (10.9-yard avg.) and eight touchdowns. On special teams, registered 28 tackles (20 solo) and returned one kickoff for 14 yards.
PERSONAL:
Attended Litchfield (Minn.) High School. The four-year starter at tight end was a two-time All-State and three-time All- Conference selection, playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl after his senior campaign. Recorded 95 career receptions for 1,331 yards and 23 touchdowns. Was coached in both basketball and tennis at Litchfield High by his father, John. In basketball, a McDonald’s pre-season All-American at center as a senior and earned All-Conference and All-Area honors four straight seasons. Conference MVP as a junior and senior and played in the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association All-Star game. Helped the team compile a 114-8 record during his career while winning the Minnesota Class 2A state title three times. Finished prep career with 1,676 points, 974 rebounds and 412 assists. Helped the tennis team reach the state finals as a junior. He had a career record of 106-22 playing No. 1 doubles. Member of the National Honor Society. Married to Danielle.
