Introduction
Jon Stacy Carter (born March 12, 1965) is a former American professional football defensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys. He also played for the Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks and the Frankfurt Galaxy of the World League of American Football (WLAF). He played collegiately at the University of Pittsburgh.
Early years
Carter attended Varnado High School in Varnado, Louisiana, where he was an All-state tight end. He accepted a scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh, where he was converted into a defensive tackle and became a four-year starter on defensive lines that included Chris Doleman, Bob Buczkowski, Tony Woods, Lorenzo Freeman, Burt Grossman, Marc Spindler, Tony Siragusa, Tom Sims and Carnel Smith. He was moved to defensive end as a junior, registering 42 tackles and 6 sacks.
Professional career
New York Giants
Carter was selected by the New York Giants in the fifth round (118th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft. On September 5, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a back injury. He was waived on August 28, 1989.
Dallas Cowboys
On August 31, 1989, he was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys. On September 5, he was cut and signed to the practice squad.
That season the Cowboys were constantly bringing players to improve their roster, so Carter was activated and played in 13 games at defensive end and defensive tackle, with his biggest play coming against the Green Bay Packers, when he caused a fumble that was returned by linebacker Jack Del Rio for a 57-yard touchdown. He was released on August 28, 1990.
Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks (WLAF)
In 1991, he was drafted 8th overall by the Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks of the World League of American Football. He played defensive end in the Skyhawks' 3–4 defense, while posting 45 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. The team finished 0-10 in the standings and were disbanded after the season, due to poor attendance.
Frankfurt Galaxy (WLAF)
In 1992, he was placed back in the draft pool, along with the remaining Skyhawks players. He was selected in the second round and was named the starter at defensive end in the Galaxy's 3–4 defense.