He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft, and later played for the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.

He played in the 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl alongside fellow Notre Dame Fighting Irish players Brady Quinn, Ryan Harris, and Tom Zbikowski.

He led the Litchfield Dragons to three state basketball titles during his freshman, junior and senior years.

Carlson played college football at Notre Dame, where he was a two-year starter at tight end.

Carlson had a notable performance in the Seahawks' 2010 playoffs, catching two touchdown passes in a win over the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.