JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University football announced the hiring of eight-year NFL veteran Tony Carter as the team's new cornerbacks coach on Wednesday.
 
Carter played locally at Mandarin High School, before going on to play four-years at Florida State.
 
"We're thrilled that Tony Carter is joining our staff, he's a perfect fit for our program at this time," said Head Coach Ian Shields. "His great ties locally and regionally will be a tremendous asset in recruiting.
 
"There is no doubt he'll have instant credibility having played eight years in the NFL and being a standout at Florida State before that."  
 
Carter parlayed a strong high school career with the Mustangs, including Third Team All-State recognition as a senior, into a four-year starting career with the Seminoles, playing under legendary Head Coach Bobby Bowden and Defensive Coordinator Mickey Andrews, earning First Team All-ACC honors twice.
 
After graduating from FSU in 2009, he signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. After spending time with the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings, he returned to Denver for the 2012 season, and played 31 games over the next three seasons with the Broncos, helping them to the playoffs all three years while collecting three interceptions, recording 18 passes defensed and scoring two touchdowns. Carter retired after playing with the Indianapolis Colts in 2015 and New Orleans Saints in 2016.
 
Carter has had an eye on coaching since early in his playing days, serving as a NIKE Football Camp Coach every summer since 2007, and also working as a Tom Shaw Performance Coach since 2010.
 
Once his playing career ended, Carter immersed himself with some of the greatest minds in coaching, gaining valuable experience as an intern the previous two years with Dan Mullen at Mississippi State, Kirby Smart at Georgia, Jeremy Pruitt at Tennessee and Jon Gruden with the Oakland Raiders, the latter of which was due to Carter's selection as an NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship candidate.
 
"He has great energy and extraordinary people skills," said Shields. "In this game you're always striving to get better and I have no doubt that Tony is going to be a difference maker for us both on and off the field."