032 DANIEL CARLSON - Las Vegas Raiders

Daniel Carlson is the starting kicker for the Las Vegas Raiders. Daniel kicked at my alma matter, Auburn University for four straight years, where he had a tremendous career and became the SEC's all time leading scorer. He was selected in the fifth round by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2018 NFL draft, but after a rough game  in Minnesota, Carlson was cut and was picked up by the Las Vegas Raiders where he's been ever since. He has been the NFL's leading scorer in two of the last three seasons, and just last year he signed a big contract extension locking him in with the Raiders for the next four years. I really enjoyed hearing his perspective on the uncertain times in his career as a newly married man and the significance of the stability provided by a four year contract as a father of one with number two on the way. As an Auburn guy I've rooted for Daniel throughout his entire career, and after getting to chat with him it only reinforced my perception of him as a strong, humble dude with a calm confidence about him. There is nothing to not like about this guy. On the field he has ice in his veins. He's as clutch as they come. Off the field he lives a life deeply rooted in faith and devoted to his young and growing family. But above it all he's an incredible man, husband, and father, and I'm pumped I had the opportunity to chat with him.

DISCUSSION POINTS

• Childhood in Colorado Springs, CO
• Raised by Alabama fans, played at Auburn
• Spent one year of his childhood in Sweden
• How Daniel got into playing football
• The marriage fast track
• Uncertainty after getting cut
• Stability of a four year contract as a younger dad
• Playing in the NFL with a newborn baby at home
• Game winning field goal --> birth of first baby
• Compartmentalizing kicking in the NFL vs home life
• Bringing in baby number two
• Best marriage advice from DC
• What Daniel struggles with
• What Daniel is the most proud of
• What Daniel wants his legacy to be with his kids

LINKS

• IG: @danielcarlson38