Chris Carson is a name that resonates with Seattle Seahawks fans for his bruising running style, understated consistency, and remarkable journey from a seventh-round draft pick to one of the NFL’s most productive running backs—before an untimely injury forced his early retirement.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Dewayne Carson |
| Known As | Chris Carson |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1994 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 30 years old |
| Birthplace | Biloxi, Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Professional NFL Running Back |
| Position | Running Back |
| NFL Team | Seattle Seahawks (2017–2022) |
| NFL Draft | 2017, Round 7, Pick 249 |
| College | Butler Community College / Oklahoma State |
| Retirement | 2022 (due to injury) |
| Notable Injury | Neck injury (2021) |
| Contract (Final) | 2-year, $10.4 million (signed 2021) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $8 Million |
| Children | None publicly confirmed |
| Current Residence | Seattle, Washingto |
Early Life and Background
Christopher Dewayne Carson was born on September 16, 1994, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Growing up in a single-parent household with his mother, he faced economic and personal challenges early on. Carson later moved to the state of Georgia, where he began carving a name for himself in high school football circles.
He attended Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia, where he showed flashes of the rugged running style that would later define his professional career. With excellent vision, power, and agility, Carson was a standout but didn’t get much attention from major college programs right out of high school.
Determined to pursue his dreams, he enrolled at Butler Community College in Kansas. His performance at Butler earned him a transfer to Oklahoma State University, where he further developed his skills under a high-profile offensive system. Despite facing injuries even in college, his raw talent and powerful running style caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Chris Carson is 30 years old. Throughout his playing career, Carson was known for his powerful frame and muscular build. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighing around 222 pounds (101 kg), he was one of the most physically imposing backs in the league.
Carson’s body composition—low center of gravity, thick legs, and upper body strength—allowed him to break tackles and gain yards after contact at an elite level. His physical traits, coupled with a relentless work ethic, made him a fan favorite in Seattle.
Education
Chris Carson’s path through higher education was somewhat nontraditional, beginning with a junior college and leading to a major Division I football program:
Butler Community College (2013–2014)
- Located in El Dorado, Kansas.
- Carson excelled at Butler, rushing for over 1,000 yards in two seasons and earning first-team All-Jayhawk honors.
Oklahoma State University (2015–2016)
- Transferred as a junior.
- Played under head coach Mike Gundy.
- Rushed for over 1,000 yards combined across two injury-shortened seasons.
- Earned praise for his pass-blocking and receiving ability, traits that later helped him secure playing time in the NFL.
His Father
Chris Carson has rarely spoken publicly about his father, and details about him remain largely private. It is known that Carson was raised predominantly by his mother and that he has occasionally referred to growing up in a single-parent home as a significant influence on his maturity and drive.
His Mother
Carson often credits his mother for instilling in him a sense of discipline, humility, and perseverance. She played a crucial role during his formative years, working hard to provide for the family and support Chris’s athletic dreams.
In various interviews, Carson has expressed deep gratitude for her support, stating that her sacrifices inspired his resilience both on and off the field.
Children
As of 2025, Chris Carson has no publicly confirmed children. While he has maintained a relatively private personal life, there has been no indication from verified sources or interviews that he is a father.
Who Is Chris Carson?
Chris Carson is a former professional NFL running back, best known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Carson defied expectations and became the team’s starting running back within his rookie year.
What Set Him Apart:
- Physical Running Style: Known for running through defenders rather than around them.
- Vision and Patience: Often compared to elite runners for his ability to set up blocks.
- Versatility: Strong in pass protection and receiving, which kept him on the field in all situations.
His ability to produce yardage in tough situations, especially in a run-heavy offense under Pete Carroll, helped the Seahawks make several playoff runs during his tenure.
Career Stats and Highlights
Here’s a breakdown of Chris Carson’s career statistics and accolades:
| Season | Games | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns | Receptions | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 208 | 0 | 7 | 59 |
| 2018 | 14 | 1,151 | 9 | 20 | 163 |
| 2019 | 15 | 1,230 | 7 | 37 | 266 |
| 2020 | 12 | 681 | 5 | 37 | 287 |
| 2021 | 4 | 232 | 3 | 6 | 29 |
| Career Totals | 49 | 3,502 | 24 | 107 | 804 |
He had two 1,000+ yard rushing seasons and ranked among the top 10 NFL running backs in yards during that span.
The Career-Ending Injury
The Incident:
Chris Carson suffered a neck injury early in the 2021 NFL season. Initially thought to be minor, it led to spinal fusion surgery—a procedure involving the joining of vertebrae to eliminate motion and relieve pain.
Timeline:
- October 2021: Placed on injured reserve.
- November 2021: Underwent surgery for a disc issue in the neck.
- July 2022: Officially retired from the NFL due to long-term health concerns.
Medical Opinion:
Doctors warned that returning to professional football could risk permanent damage or even paralysis. Prioritizing his long-term well-being, Carson made the emotional decision to walk away from the sport he loved.
Team and Fan Reaction:
Both the Seahawks organization and fans expressed immense support. General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Pete Carroll praised Carson for his professionalism, calling him “a heart and soul player.”
Contract Details
Despite being a seventh-round pick, Chris Carson’s performance earned him multiple contracts with the Seattle Seahawks.
Rookie Contract (2017–2020)
- 4-year deal worth $2.46 million
- Included a signing bonus of $65,129
- Annual salary ranged between $465,000 and $735,000
Second Contract (2021–2022)
- Signed a 2-year, $10.4 million contract extension in March 2021
- Included:
- $4.5 million signing bonus
- $5.5 million guaranteed
- Performance-based incentives for rushing yardage and touchdowns
Total Career Earnings
- Base Salary: ~$7.5 million
- Bonuses & Incentives: ~$2 million
- Estimated Total: ~$9.5 million
Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Chris Carson’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $8 million. Though his career was shortened by injury, Carson made wise financial decisions and diversified his post-retirement interests.
Income Sources:
- NFL Earnings – Nearly $10 million over 5 seasons.
- Brand Partnerships – Carson partnered with fitness and supplement brands, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.
- Real Estate Ventures – He reportedly invested in property near the Seattle area.
- Fitness and Recovery Consulting – Post-retirement, Carson is involved in wellness and athletic training programs for youth.
His net worth reflects both his athletic achievements and a measured approach to life after football.
Current Life
Post-retirement, Chris Carson leads a relatively private but purposeful life.
Where Is He Now?
Carson resides in or near Seattle, Washington, where he has strong community ties and maintains relationships with the Seahawks organization.
What Is He Doing?
- Athlete Wellness: Involved in recovery programs and advocates for better post-injury care in the NFL.
- You th Mentorship: Partners with local organizations to mentor young athletes.
- Media Appearances: Occasionally appears on Seahawks-focused podcasts and local sports radio.
- Personal Projects: Reportedly working on a documentary and book chronicling his career and life-changing injury.
Carson has transitioned into a role model for athletes learning to navigate early retirement and identity transformation.
Conclusion
Chris Carson‘s NFL journey is a tale of perseverance, resilience, and grace under pressure. From an overlooked seventh-round draft pick to a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher, his rise was anything but expected. And though injury cut his career short, Carson’s decision to prioritize his health is a testament to his intelligence and maturity.
With a net worth of $8 million, an impactful career, and a promising future off the field, Carson continues to inspire—both in the way he played and in how he exited.
This helpful summary highlights the full arc of Carson’s story, offering insights that go well beyond the box score.
FAQs
Q: What is Chris Carson’s net worth in 2025?
A: Chris Carson’s net worth is approximately $8 million.
Q: How old is Chris Carson now?
A: He is 30 years old, born on September 16, 1994.
Q: Why did Chris Carson retire?
A: He retired due to a serious neck injury that required spinal fusion surgery, making it unsafe to continue playing.
Q: What was Chris Carson’s last contract?
A: His final contract was a 2-year, $10.4 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks signed in 2021.