Daniel Carlson

Daniel Carlson is a distinguished professional football placekicker currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL). His journey began at Auburn University, where he made a significant impact on the college football scene. Under head coach Gus Malzahn, Carlson became the Southeastern Conference’s all-time leading scorer, amassing an impressive 480 career points. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the All-SEC First Team three times, showcasing his reliability and skill in high-pressure situations.

Carlson’s professional career commenced when he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite a challenging start, where he faced competition from veteran kicker Kai Forbath, Carlson quickly proved his mettle. He made a memorable debut, converting all extra point attempts and a field goal. However, after a tough outing against the Green Bay Packers, he was waived, paving the way for his next opportunity with the Oakland Raiders.

Joining the Raiders in 2018, Carlson flourished, setting a new team record by converting 94% of his field goal attempts that season. His remarkable consistency and clutch performances earned him multiple AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Notably, he played a pivotal role in several key victories, including a game-winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals, solidifying his reputation as a reliable kicker.

Carlson’s career continued to ascend as he signed a four-year, $18.4 million extension with the Raiders in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid kickers in the league. His record-breaking achievements include setting the NFL record for the most 50+ yard field goals made in a single season with 11 in 2022. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, Carlson remains a vital asset to the Raiders, consistently demonstrating his prowess on the field.