As a native of Las Vegas, Quinton Carter has progressed into a professional athlete, scholar, business owner and philanthropist - but not without early trials and tribulations, and experiencing the impact of a community that left him ill prepared and lacking the essential skills needed to engage in our highly competitive world. Instead of accepting an unprepared fate, Quinton’s drive and determination propelled him to overcome these adversities.
As a standout athlete in high school, Quinton earned a full football scholarship to the University of Oklahoma (OU), excelling both on the field and in the classroom. Quinton stockpiled numerous milestones and merits during his tenure at OU, including but not limited to 2010 All-State/ AFCA Good Works Team, 2010 AFCA All-America Team, the All Big 12 Football Team and the 2011 John Wooden Citizenship Cup, regarded as the Heisman Trophy of citizenship and community involvement. In May of 2011, Quinton graduated from OU, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminology and non-profits.
Selected with the 108th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Quinton went on to become the starting safety for the Denver Broncos. During his rookie year with the Broncos in 2011, Carter showed up and showed out with 56 tackles and 1 sack during the season. On track to becoming one of the leagues premiere defensive backs, Quinton’s career was cut short by sustaining a devastating injury. Quinton retired from the NFL in 2014.
As an athlete, Quinton believes that it is important for all athletes to use their platform to serve the community in a positive manner. Through many of the foundation’s programs, opportunities for collegiate and professional athletes to give back are often woven into the programs. Amongst the foundations numerous contributions, in 2011, he hosted the Elevated Play football camp, which was designed to bring in middle school children to be vigorously trained by collegiate and professional football players. The goal was to have each child walk away from the event with a better understanding of the sport, skills that will enhance their game play, and the confidence and reassurance that they can attain their dream, however big it may be. The Elevated Play football camp has become an ongoing staple of Las Vegas, conducted every summer.
Quinton Carter is the embodiment of perseverance and achievement. Every day he takes a new step forward and paves the way for a better tomorrow.