Harry Carson facts for kids
Carson in 2008
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| No. 53 | |||||||||||
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||
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| Born: | November 26, 1953 Florence, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 237 lb (108 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Florence (SC) Wilson | ||||||||||
| College: | South Carolina State | ||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1976 / Round: 4 / Pick: 105 | ||||||||||
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Pro Football Hall of Fame
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College Football Hall of Fame
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Harry Donald Carson (born November 26, 1953) is a famous American former football player. He played his entire career as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL). Carson is recognized for his amazing skills and leadership on the field.
He was honored by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002. Later, he joined the elite group in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2018, he was also welcomed into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
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Early Life and College Football
Harry Carson was born in Florence, South Carolina. He went to Wilson High School and later McClenaghan High School.
After high school, Carson played college football at South Carolina State University from 1972 to 1975. He was a very strong player and never missed a game in his four years there. He became the first player in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to win "Defensive Player of the Year" two times in a row.
In 1975, he was chosen for the All-America team. He also set school records with 117 tackles and 17 sacks. With Carson as their captain, his team's defense was incredibly strong. They had six shutouts and allowed only 29 points all season, which was an NCAA record!
Playing in the NFL
The New York Giants picked Harry Carson in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL draft. He played all 13 of his professional seasons with the Giants. He was the team's leader in tackles for five seasons. Even more impressively, he was their team captain for ten seasons.
Carson was part of a famous group of linebackers called the "Crunch Bunch." This group included Carson, Brad Van Pelt, Brian Kelley, and Lawrence Taylor. Many people consider them one of the best defensive groups in NFL history. He also played a key role in the Giants' defense known as the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew."
Harry Carson was chosen for the Pro Bowl nine times during his career. He intercepted 11 passes and recovered 14 fumbles. He also scored one defensive touchdown. He retired after the 1988 season. Two years before, he helped the Giants win Super Bowl XXI, their first Super Bowl championship. Carson had seven tackles in that big win.
Carson was also one of the first players to give his coach a "Gatorade shower." This is when players dump a cooler of Gatorade on the coach after a big win. His teammate Jim Burt started this fun tradition in 1985.
Bill Belichick, a famous coach, once said that Harry Carson was the best all-around linebacker he ever coached.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Harry Carson was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. This is a huge honor for football players. It means they are recognized as one of the best players of all time.
When he was inducted, Carson said he was very proud. He remembered a special moment from Super Bowl XXI. He was the only captain to go out for the coin toss before the game. He felt it was an "awesome responsibility" and "the greatest respect."
Carson has also spoken about the importance of player safety. He believes the NFL should do more to help former players who have health issues from playing. He also suggests that young kids might want to think carefully before playing tackle football. He wants to make sure everyone understands the possible risks of head injuries.
Life After Football
After retiring from football, Harry Carson stayed involved with the Giants. He also had a successful career in sports broadcasting. He even has his own company, Harry Carson Inc., which helps with sports consulting and promotions.
Carson has also been a commencement speaker at universities. He received an honorary degree for his work in helping people with brain injuries. He says, "I have to speak up for all people who really don't have a voice."
Harry Carson lives in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
Advocacy for Player Health
Since he stopped playing, Carson has dealt with some health issues from his football career. He was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome in 1990. He thinks he had about 15 concussions during his time playing football.
He wrote a book called "Captain for Life" in 2011. In this book, he shared his personal experiences with concussions. He was one of the first athletes to talk openly about the long-term effects of head injuries.
Carson is very concerned about concussions in football. He questions whether young children should play tackle football. He believes that the risks of head injuries are not fully understood. In 2018, he supported a group called Flag Football Under 14. This group recommends that kids under 14 years old should not play tackle football. Carson said he didn't play tackle football until high school. He also said he won't let his grandson play until he is 14.
Politics (Brief Mention)
In 2012, Harry Carson thought about running for Congress in New Jersey. However, he decided not to pursue a political campaign.
Images for kids
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Carson in 2008
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Carson at the White House in 1987
