Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Carmichael attended Southern University, where he played college football. His performance at Southern University caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 1971 NFL Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, Carmichael quickly proved his worth on the field.
Carmichael's early years with the Eagles were marked by steady development. By his third season, he had become a leading receiver for the team. In 1973, he led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards, showcasing his ability to dominate the field. His performance that year earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, the first of four such honors in his career.
Throughout the 1970s, Carmichael was a consistent and reliable target for Eagles quarterbacks. His height and reach made him particularly effective in catching high passes, and he became known for his ability to make difficult catches look easy. Carmichael's presence on the field was a constant threat to opposing defenses, and he played a crucial role in the Eagles' offensive strategies.
One of the highlights of Carmichael's career came in the 1980 season when he helped lead the Eagles to Super Bowl XV. Although the Eagles were defeated by the Oakland Raiders, Carmichael's performance throughout the season was instrumental in the team's success. That year, he was named to the Pro Bowl and was also selected as a First-team All-Pro, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's top receivers.
Carmichael's career with the Eagles spanned 13 seasons, during which he set numerous franchise records. By the time he left the team, he held the Eagles' records for career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. His streak of 127 consecutive games with a reception was an NFL record at the time, highlighting his consistency and reliability as a receiver.
In 1984, Carmichael joined the Dallas Cowboys, where he played for one season before retiring from professional football. His career statistics include 590 receptions, 8,985 receiving yards, and 79 touchdowns, numbers that reflect his skill and longevity in the league.
After retiring from playing, Carmichael remained involved in football, taking on various roles within the Eagles organization. His contributions to the team and the sport were recognized in 2020 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, an honor that celebrated his outstanding career and achievements.
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