He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 1992 NFL draft with the 20th overall pick.
He played in the NFL for the Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Baltimore Ravens.
On Thanksgiving Day (November 23, 1995), Carter was ejected for kicking Michael Irvin of the Dallas Cowboys in a 24–12 loss at Texas Stadium.
[3] After six seasons in Kansas City in which he shined on the field, but numerous off-the-field problems, Carter signed a four-year, $22.8 million contract with the Broncos in 1999, making him the NFL's highest-paid defensive back.
[5] Carter is the brother of Jake Reed, a former NFL wide receiver who played most notably for the Minnesota Vikings.