In 1992, Carter was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. On Thanksgiving Day (November 23, 1995), Carter was ejected for kicking Michael Irvin of the Dallas Cowboys in a 24–12 loss at Texas Stadium.[3]
After six seasons in Kansas City in which he shined on the field, but numerous off-the-field problems, Carter signed a four-year, $22.8 million contract with the Broncos in 1999, making him the NFL's highest-paid defensive back.[4] After a poor year, Carter was suspended for the entire 2000 season due to a fourth substance abuse violation before being released during the 2001 season. He then played for the Vikings, Saints, he missed the entire 2004 season due to a blood clot in his lung and then played for the Ravens before retiring after the 2005 season.
Carter is the brother of Jake Reed, a former NFL wide receiver who played most notably for the Minnesota Vikings.[6] They were teammates on the Vikings in the 2001 NFL season.