Harry Carson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Born in Florence, South Carolina, Carson played at Wilson High School and later at McClenaghan High School. He attended South Carolina State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1976. He played college football for Willie Jeffries from 1972 to 1975, not missing a single game. He became the first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference player to win consecutive defensive player of the year honors and assisted the Bulldogs to consecutive conference championships. In 1975, he was a first-team selection on the AFCA College-Division All-America team and set school records with 117 tackles and 17 sacks. With Carson as captain, the Bulldogs defense recorded six shutouts in 1975 and held opponents to just 29 points, an NCAA record for a ten-game season. He was drafted 105th overall in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL draft by the Giants and spent all 13 seasons with them. He led the team in tackles for five seasons and served as captain for ten. He was a member of the Crunch Bunch and the Big Blue Wrecking Crew defense, making nine Pro Bowl appearances (1978–1979, 1981–1987). In his 13 seasons, he intercepted 11 passes for 212 yards, recovered 14 fumbles for 36 yards and one touchdown, and recorded eight official sacks (19 including 1976–1981). He retired after the 1988 season, two years after helping the Giants win Super Bowl XXI, in which he had seven tackles. Carson was one of the first practitioners of the 'Gatorade shower,' started by teammate Jim Burt in 1985, as recounted in his 1987 book Point of Attack: The Defense Strikes Back. Bill Parcells would have Carson at his side during the national anthem for good luck. Bill Belichick considered Carson the best all-around linebacker he ever coached. Carson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 after years of outspoken criticism of the selection process; in 2004 he asked to have his name taken off the ballot. In his Hall of Fame speech, he stated he hoped the NFL and player association would do a better job looking out for ex-players. He has suggested that kids not start playing football due to potential consequences. He commented on the NFL's $765 million concussion settlement, saying 'the NFL has given everybody 765 million reasons why you don't want to play football.' After football, Carson remains involved with the Giants, has a career in sports broadcasting, and owns

In Their Own Story

In 1972, Chuck Noll hired Carson as defensive backs coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, elevating him to defensive coordinator in 1973. This marked the rise of the 'Steel Curtain,' a unit that gave up fewer points than any other AFC team during the Super Bowl seasons of 1974 and 1975. Led by stars like Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount, the 1976 defense allowed fewer than 10 points per game over a nine-game winning streak where they surrendered only 28 total points. Carson's strategy combined a strong front four with complex zone coverage, confusing offenses with 'five or six different defenses before the ball was even snapped.' He later coached the Los Angeles Rams to an NFC Championship in 1979 and a Super Bowl XIV loss against his former team. His tenure included a stint as Browns head coach from 1989 until his firing midway through 1990 after a 2–7 start, though he had led them to an AFC Championship appearance that first year.

Reader's Guide

Harry Carson is a former New York Giants linebacker, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2006), and College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2002). He played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Giants, was a nine-time Pro Bowler, and a key member of the Crunch Bunch and Big Blue Wrecking Crew defenses. He helped the Giants win Super Bowl XXI. After football, he became a broadcaster, author, and advocate for former players dealing with head trauma.

Did You Know?

• Carson was one of the first practitioners of the 'Gatorade shower,' started by teammate Jim Burt in 1985.
• He was the lone captain for the Giants at the coin toss of Super Bowl XXI.
• He estimated he had 15 concussions during his high school, college, and professional football career.
• Carson asked to have his name taken off the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot in 2004 before being elected in 2006.