He played college football at Florida State, and signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

Carter attended Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, FL, where he played football as a cornerback, quarterback, and wide receiver along with Running Back Johnny Hunt.

Following high school, Carter chose to attend Florida State University over Tennessee and North Carolina.

He finished the season with 27 tackles and was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player of the team's Emerald Bowl victory.

He also set a career mark with four interceptions, while tying the team lead with six pass break-ups and was First-Team All ACC.

He was promoted to the Broncos' active roster on December 19, 2009, and made his NFL debut in Week 15 against the Oakland Raiders.

On October 15, 2012, against the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football, he recovered a fumble and returned it 65 yards to score his first career touchdown, before intercepting Philip Rivers in the fourth quarter.

On November 10, Carter had an interception return for a touchdown off a Cam Newton pass in a win over the Carolina Panthers.

On September 15, 2013, against the New York Giants on the first play of the fourth quarter, Carter deflected a pass with his foot, which made the ball go right into the hands of teammate Chris Harris Jr. On November 24, against his former team the New England Patriots, Carter made a mistake that cost Denver the game.

[5] Carter was hired to be the defensive coordinator of the Orlando Guardians in June 2022, under his former coach at Florida State, Terrell Buckley.