Carter was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 6th round of the 1967 NFL Draft out of Brigham Young University (BYU), where he had a standout college career. At BYU, Carter set 19 school records and was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference team. His transition to the NFL saw him initially struggle to secure a starting position, reflecting the common trajectory of many quarterbacks of the era as they adapted to the professional game's demands.
During his tenure with the Chicago Bears, Carter showed promise but the team's depth at quarterback and strategic decisions limited his playing time. In 1970, he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he found more opportunities to play. Under the guidance of legendary coach Paul Brown, Carter became an integral part of the Bengals' offense. His most notable season came in 1971 when he led the Bengals to the playoffs, showcasing his skills as a proficient passer and a tactically astute player. Despite not possessing the strongest arm, Carter's accuracy and decision-making were highly regarded.
Carter's career took a turn when he joined the World Football League in 1974, signing with the Chicago Fire. The WFL was a short-lived attempt to establish a professional football league that could compete with the NFL, and Carter's move was indicative of the league's efforts to attract talent. His time in the WFL was marked by solid performances, but the league's financial instability and eventual collapse affected all involved.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Virgil Carter is perhaps best remembered for his role in the development of football analytics. Alongside Bob Carroll, Carter co-authored a pioneering study on the Expected Points model, which sought to quantify the value of field position and predict scoring outcomes. This work laid the groundwork for many of the advanced statistical analyses used in football today, underscoring Carter's lasting impact on the sport.
After retiring from professional football, Carter pursued academic interests, further demonstrating his intellectual approach to the game. His career statistics in the NFL include 5,063 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, modest numbers that belie his influence as a player who bridged the gap between traditional quarterback play and the analytical approaches that would come to dominate football strategy.
In summary, Virgil Carter's professional football career is notable not only for his achievements as a quarterback but also for his significant contributions to the analytical understanding of the game. His legacy is one of intellectual curiosity and innovation, marking him as a unique figure in the history of American football.
🏈