Carter's professional career commenced with the Bears, where he played for two seasons. During his time in Chicago, he demonstrated a keen understanding of the game, which was evident in his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. However, his tenure with the Bears was relatively short, and he soon found himself moving to the Cincinnati Bengals in 1970.
It was with the Bengals that Carter's career gained more visibility. Under the guidance of head coach Paul Brown, Carter became an integral part of the team's offensive strategy. Brown, known for his innovative approach to the game, utilized Carter's skills in a way that highlighted his strengths. Carter's ability to execute short, precise passes fit well with Brown's vision of a controlled, methodical offense. This approach was a precursor to the West Coast offense that would later become popular in the NFL.
Carter's time with the Bengals was marked by several noteworthy performances. In 1971, he led the league in completion percentage, showcasing his accuracy and efficiency as a passer. His understanding of the game and ability to adapt to different situations made him a valuable asset to the Bengals' offense. Despite not having the strongest arm, Carter's intelligence and decision-making on the field allowed him to effectively manage games and lead his team.
After his stint with the Bengals, Carter moved to the San Diego Chargers in 1973. His role with the Chargers was more limited, but he continued to contribute as a reliable backup quarterback. Carter's experience and knowledge of the game were assets to the Chargers' quarterback room, where he provided guidance and support to younger players.
Carter's professional football career concluded with the Chicago Fire of the World Football League (WFL) in 1974. Although the WFL was short-lived, Carter's involvement in the league demonstrated his continued passion for the game and his desire to remain connected to football.
Beyond his playing days, Carter's influence extended into the realm of sports analytics. He pursued a career in academia, earning a Ph.D. in operations research from Northwestern University. Carter's work in this field contributed to the development of statistical methods used in sports analysis, bridging the gap between athletics and data science.
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