Robert Carter Jr. (gridiron football)
| No. 26 BC Lions | |
| Born: | February 13, 2003 Ringgold, Virginia, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| Status | Active |
| CFL status | American |
| Position(s) | Defensive back |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
| College | Robert Morris (2023-2024) UVA Wise (2021–2022) |
| High school | Dan River High, (Virginia) |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2025–present | BC Lions |
| Career stats | |
| |
Robert Carter Jr. (born August 5, 2000) is an American professional football defensive back for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Virginia-Wise Cavaliers before transferring to the Robert Morris Colonials after two years.[1]
College career
In two years with the UVA Wise Cavaliers, Carter played 22 games, making 77 tackles, and returning kicks, including a career best 96 yard return against Emory & Henry.[2]
In the 2023 season, Carter played 10 games for the Robert Morris Colonials, making 22 tackles, including 17 solo tackles. He also returned 12 kickoffs for 293 yards with his longest return being 44 yards.[3] In 2024, Carter played 12 games, making 44 tackles, including 28 solo tackles. That year he ran back 10 kickoffs, including a 92 yard return for a touchdown against Central Connecticut.[3] That return led to him being named NEC Player of the Week.[4]
Carter also made 4 interceptions for the Colonials in 2024, including one off Utah State quarterback Bryson Barnes in which he leapt up in and caught the ball with his right hand bringing it into his body while doing a 360 degree spin in the air before landing on the ground, which drew comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr.[5]
Professional career
Carter signed with the BC Lions on May 7, 2025.[1]
On July 27, 2025, in a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Carter made a one handed interception in the end zone that "could arguably be considered the greatest interception in CFL history,"[6] and Sports Illustrated said was “one of the best interceptions you’ll ever see,” comparing Carter to Odell Beckham Jr.[7]
He intercepted a pass in the end zone that was thrown by Hamilton quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell from about the 40 yard line and intended for Brendan O'Leary-Orange. Carter leaped up and with his left hand caught the ball without making contact with O'Leary-Orange and cradled the ball with his body as he came down and rolled to maintain possession of the ball.
Comparing this catch with the one he made while playing for Robert Morris, Carter said the Robert Morris catch was better, because he had a broken hand at the time.[6]
References
- ^ a b "BC Lions sign former Robert Morris DB Robert Carter Jr". 3 Down Nation. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ "Robert Carter Jr". BC Lions. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ a b "3 Rob Carter Jr". Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ Deemer, Michael. "Rob Carter Jr. Wins NEC Special Teams Player of the Week". Sentry News. Robert Morris Colonials. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ Dunleavy, Ryan. "Robert Morris Rob Carter Jr. makes insane one handed interception". New York Post. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ a b "BC Lions DB Robert Carter Jr. nabs one of best interceptions in CFL history". 3 Down Nation. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ Kadlick, Mike. "CFL Defensive Back Hauled In One of the Best Interceptions You'll Ever See". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 28, 2025.