Anders Carlson is a name that has been making waves in the world of American football. As a young kicker with exceptional potential, Carlson has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the sport. From his early days in high school to his college career and potential future in the NFL, Anders Carlson’s journey is one that football fans are closely following.

This article will provide a comprehensive look at who Anders Carlson is, his background, career highlights, and the path that has led him to become one of the most promising young kickers in football. We’ll explore the most frequently asked questions about Carlson, as well as his future in the sport.

Who is Anders Carlson?

Anders Carlson is an American football placekicker who is best known for his time playing for the Auburn Tigers in college football. Born on January 26, 1999, Carlson comes from a family with a strong football background. His journey to becoming a top kicker in college football is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and exceptional skills.

As the younger brother of Daniel Carlson, another well-known kicker who played for Auburn and went on to have a successful NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders, Anders was naturally introduced to the world of football at a young age. His family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport has undoubtedly played a role in his rise to prominence as a top kicker.

Anders Carlson’s Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Colorado, Anders Carlson was exposed to football early on, particularly through his older brother Daniel, who is one of the top kickers in the NFL. Growing up, Anders was always around the sport, but he initially played other positions before focusing on becoming a kicker. His natural talent, coupled with the guidance from his brother and father, helped him develop the skills needed to succeed at the highest levels.

Anders Carlson attended Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where he played football and helped lead his team to several victories. During his time in high school, he established himself as a standout kicker, earning recognition from coaches, scouts, and football analysts. His consistency and ability to handle pressure situations made him a highly sought-after recruit by top college programs.

The Journey to Auburn University

After an impressive high school career, Anders Carlson committed to playing college football at Auburn University in Alabama. The decision to play for the Tigers was an important one, as Auburn is known for its strong football program and the tradition of developing top-tier talent, particularly in special teams.

At Auburn, Anders Carlson was able to learn from his older brother Daniel, who was already an established kicker with the team. The Carlson brothers shared a special bond, both on and off the field, and their success together at Auburn further cemented the Carlson family’s reputation as a powerhouse in the world of kickers.

Anders Carlson’s College Career at Auburn

Anders Carlson’s college career at Auburn was marked by consistency and strong performances in key moments. As a freshman, Carlson showed promise with his powerful leg and accuracy, and over time, he developed into one of the top kickers in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His ability to perform under pressure was evident during some of the most crucial moments of Auburn’s games.

Freshman Year (2017): Carlson’s journey as the starting kicker for the Auburn Tigers began in his freshman year. Although he faced the pressure of filling the shoes of an established kicker, he quickly proved himself with several impressive performances. One of his most notable moments came during a game against LSU, where he made multiple critical field goals to help his team secure a victory.

Sophomore Year (2018): Carlson’s sophomore season saw him further develop his consistency and power. He continued to shine during key games, including a matchup against Georgia, where his leg was tested with long-distance kicks. By the end of the season, Carlson had gained a reputation as one of the most reliable kickers in college football.

Junior Year (2019): By his junior year, Anders Carlson had established himself as one of the top kickers in the SEC. His performance throughout the 2019 season was impressive, especially his ability to make field goals in high-pressure situations. Carlson’s versatility and consistency in both short and long-range kicks helped Auburn maintain a strong position in the SEC standings.

Senior Year (2020): Anders Carlson’s senior year was a culmination of his hard work and development at Auburn. He had become one of the most reliable kickers in the entire country. Over the course of his final college season, Carlson demonstrated his ability to handle pressure, with his long-distance accuracy being a standout feature of his game. Despite the challenges of playing during a pandemic-shortened season, Carlson’s performance remained stellar.

Anders Carlson’s Playing Style and Strengths

Anders Carlson’s playing style is characterized by his powerful leg and accuracy. Kickers are often judged by their ability to perform in high-pressure situations, and Carlson has consistently demonstrated his mental toughness and skill. Here are some key elements of his playing style:

Accuracy: One of Carlson’s strongest traits as a kicker is his accuracy. Whether he’s attempting field goals from long distances or extra points, Carlson has a remarkable ability to place the ball exactly where it needs to be. His precision is often a game-changer, making him one of the most reliable kickers in college football during his time at Auburn.

Leg Power: Carlson possesses one of the most powerful legs in the game. He can hit field goals from long distances with ease, often making kicks from 50 yards or more. His leg power allows him to change the trajectory of a game with a single kick, making him a weapon on special teams.

Mental Toughness: Kickers are often judged by their ability to handle pressure, and Anders Carlson has proven time and time again that he thrives in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s a game-winning field goal or a critical extra point, Carlson has the mental fortitude to perform under pressure.

Consistency: One of the most important aspects of a kicker’s game is consistency. Carlson has been known for his ability to make kicks in both routine and high-stakes situations. His consistency is what sets him apart from other kickers, and it’s one of the reasons why he has been so highly regarded.

Anders Carlson’s Professional Prospects

As of 2025, Anders Carlson is a rising star with a promising future ahead of him. His strong performances in college have put him on the radar of NFL scouts, and many believe that he has the potential to be drafted into the league.

NFL Draft and Potential Career

Carlson is expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he is projected to be one of the top kickers available. His combination of leg power, accuracy, and mental toughness makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team in need of a reliable kicker. While many kickers don’t get drafted high, Carlson’s consistency and potential for success in the NFL have caught the attention of several teams. 

Whether he is drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent, Carlson’s potential to make an impact in the NFL is undeniable. With the right team and coaching, he could develop into one of the top kickers in the league and have a successful career.

FAQs

What is Anders Carlson’s background?

Carlson is the younger brother of Daniel Carlson, the kicker for the Las Vegas Raiders. He attended The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs and went on to play college football at Auburn University, where he became one of the most prolific kickers in school history. He ranks second all-time at Auburn in scoring (394 points) and made field goals (75). Carlson was also a two-time Academic All-American, earning an MBA with a perfect 4.0 GPA. 

What happened during Anders Carlson’s rookie season with the Packers?

Carlson was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he made 27 of 33 field goal attempts and 34 of 39 extra point attempts. However, he struggled with consistency, particularly on longer kicks, and was released by the Packers after one season.

What is Anders Carlson’s NFL career history?

Carlson began his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers in 2023. After a season with the Packers, he was waived in August 2024 due to inconsistent performance. Later that year, he was signed by the New York Jets, where he has been active since November 2024.

What is Anders Carlson’s playing style and strengths?

Carlson is known for his strong leg and ability to make long-distance field goals. He has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout his career, working to improve his consistency and performance under pressure.

What is Anders Carlson’s background and education?

Carlson is a two-time Academic All-American from Auburn University. He graduated summa cum laude with a 3.92 GPA in professional flight management in 2020. He then earned his MBA with a perfect 4.0 GPA in December 2021, along with a graduate certificate in cybersecurity management.

In Summary

Anders Carlson is a young kicker with an exciting future in football. From his early days at Auburn to his prospects in the NFL, Carlson has proven himself to be one of the most reliable and talented kickers in the game. His accuracy, leg power, and mental toughness have made him a standout player, and his potential to succeed at the next level is immense.

As he prepares for the next chapter of his football career, fans, scouts, and analysts will continue to watch Anders Carlson closely. Whether he’s kicking for a top college program or playing in the NFL, it’s clear that Anders Carlson is a player to keep an eye on in the years to come.

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