[1] Carlson began his collegiate career at Rochester State Junior College and was named All-Region as a sophomore after leading all junior college passers with 2,090 yards and 21 touchdown passes.

[2][3] He transferred to Iowa State University and was named the Cyclones starter going into his first season with the team.

[4][5] After the season Carlson played in the 1972 Senior Bowl and started in the 1971 North–South Shrine Game.

[6] Carlson was selected in the seventh round of the 1972 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

[8] He was signed by the Chiefs shortly afterwards and made his only appearance in an NFL game in the final game of the 1974 season, completing 7 of 15 pass attempts for 116 yards with one interception and rushing twice for 17 yards in relief of starter Len Dawson.