Carson Palmer

Heisman-winning quarterback who revitalized his career with the Arizona Cardinals.

Carson Hilton Palmer (born December 27, 1979) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. Palmer played college football for the USC Trojans, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2002. He was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2003 NFL draft.

Quick Facts

Position

Quarterback

Born

27 December 1979

Birthplace

Fresno, California, U.S.

High school

Santa Margarita Catholic (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)

College

USC (1998–2002)

Draft year

2003

Draft round

Former teams

Cincinnati Bengals (2003, 2010)
Oakland Raiders (2011, 2012)
Arizona Cardinals (2013, 2017)

Lore & Background

Palmer had a breakout season in 2005 when he led the league in passing touchdowns and completion percentage while bringing the Bengals to their first winning season and playoff appearance in 15 years. He also earned Pro Bowl honors. Palmer received a second consecutive Pro Bowl selection the following year, but was unable to continue his success and made only one more playoff appearance with Cincinnati. Amid conflicts with Bengals ownership, he was traded after eight seasons to the Oakland Raiders, where he continued to struggle during his two seasons with the team.

Traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2013, Palmer revitalized his career. He had his most successful season in 2015 when he led the Cardinals to a division title and an NFC Championship Game appearance. Palmer was also named to his third Pro Bowl and received second-team All-Pro honors. He retired following the 2017 regular season after spending much of the year on injured reserve. Palmer was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Reader's Guide

Palmer was born in Fresno, California. He attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. He entered the University of Southern California in 1998. He played for head coach Paul Hackett the first three years of his college career.

He began his freshman season as a back-up to Mike Van Raaphorst. He got his first career start against Washington. He ended his freshman season with 130 completions, 235 attempts (55.3%), 1,755 passing yards, 116 rushing yards, 7 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a rushing touchdown. In his sophomore year in 1999, he was named the starting quarterback.

He broke his collarbone in a game against Oregon, effectively ending his season. The NCAA let him use his redshirt. He returned to his starting role in 2000. He finished that season with 228 completions, 414 attempts (54.9%), 2,914 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.

In 2001, Pete Carroll's first season as head coach, Palmer started 12 games and finished with 221 completions, 377 attempts (58.6%), 2,717 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. In his senior season in 2002, he returned for a fifth year and resumed the role of starting quarterback for the fourth consecutive year.