Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer is recognized as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football, concluding his career at the University of Southern California by winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming the first USC quarterback to receive the honor. Palmer earned consensus First Team All-American status and received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Pop Warner Award, and Sporting News National Player of the Year honors. He finished his college tenure as the Pac-10's all-time leading passer and contributed to the Trojans' highest win total and ranking in decades. His No. 3 jersey has been retired by USC, and he has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Selected first overall in the NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Palmer played 15 seasons with the Bengals, Oakland Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals. He quickly established himself in the NFL, earning AFC Player of the Year honors, leading the league in passing touchdowns and completion percentage, and guiding the Bengals to their first winning season and playoff appearance in 15 years. The NFL Rules Committee implemented the "Carson Palmer Rule," which requires defenders to avoid hitting a quarterback at or below the knees when the quarterback is in a defenseless position, following an injury Palmer sustained.

Palmer's professional football career includes three Pro Bowl selections, a Second-Team All-Pro honor, and a runner-up finish in NFL Most Valuable Player voting. He helped the Arizona Cardinals reach the NFC Championship Game and was inducted into the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor. Over his NFL career, Palmer completed 3,941 of 6,307 passes for 46,247 yards and 294 touchdowns, and recorded more 400-yard passing games than any other Heisman Trophy winner.

After retiring from the NFL, Palmer has remained active in football and philanthropy. Through the Carson Palmer Foundation, he supports at-risk youth and education initiatives. Palmer also serves as the varsity head coach of the Santa Margarita High School football program, where he began his football journey. His career reflects a longstanding commitment to football, leadership, and community involvement.