Facebook Pixel

    Did Pete Carroll Play in the NFL?

    When you look at head coaches in the NFL and the ever-growing youth movement across the league, it almost serves as a refreshing reminder of yesteryears when you see some of the elder statesmen and their teams doing well in 2023.

    One of the oldest is Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll has been in the NFL for a long time, in fact. Carroll is the oldest head coach in the league with an impressively long résumé of coaching at the highest level under his belt.

    While Carroll has been manning the sidelines for decades as a coach, one may wonder if Carroll has playing experience to go along with his coaching experience. Let’s take a closer look to find out.

    From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!

    Did Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll Play in the NFL?

    The simple answer to this question is no, but that does not mean that Carroll never roamed a football field or two in his day.

    While Carroll never played football professionally, he did enjoy playing time at the collegiate level when Carroll attended junior college at the College of Marin, where he played football for two years before transferring to the University of the Pacific and did not continue to play beyond that.

    Carroll was also quite versatile during his high school playing days while attending Redwood High School in Larkspur, California. Carroll played three positions during that time: quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back.

    Carroll Has Spent a Long Time in the NFL

    While Carroll has never actually suited up in the NFL, it does not mean he hasn’t had a long and impactful career in the league. Carroll has coached in the NFL for 18 seasons total, and at 72 years old, he is the oldest coach in the league.

    MORE: Highest-Paid Head Coaches in the NFL

    Carroll began his NFL career as defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills, then spent time with the Minnesota Vikings before becoming the New York Jets defensive coordinator and eventual head coach.

    Of the 18 seasons Carroll has spent in the NFL, 14 of them have been as the head man with the Seahawks organization. Carroll’s longevity speaks for itself, but his tenure in the NFL, as well as the success he has enjoyed, makes him one of the most respected members of the exclusive fraternity of head coaches.

    A Super Bowl champion, a leader of men, and a well-respected man of the NFL community, Carroll has had a long-lasting impression on the NFL — even if he has never suited up and actually played.

    2025 NFL Mock Draft Simulator

    The PFN Mock Draft Simulator features hundreds of prospects, scouting reports, and free trades -- jump into the FREE mock draft machine and get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft.

    2025 NFL Season & Playoff Predictor

    PFSN's 2025 NFL Season and Playoff Predictor is a tool that allows you to play out various weekly scenarios to see how the NFL playoff picture changes with each scenario.

    NFL Offseason Manager: Salary Cap, Free Agency, and More

    Do you think you can manage your favorite team’s roster better than the real-life general managers? PFN's Offseason Manager is here to help you prove it.

    Guess the NFL Player

    Test your NFL knowledge with PFSN's Guess the NFL Player game, the ultimate NFL player guessing game for football fans!

    Former Cowboys Player Weighs In On Micah Parson-DeMarcus Lawrence Beef, Rips Owner Jerry Jones

    Former NFL player and ex-Cowboy Chris Canty went on Get Up and criticized Jerry Jones, saying that he had to leave Dallas to win a Super Bowl.

    Commanders Predicted To Continue Upgrading Offense, Selecting 48-TD RB in 1st Round of NFL Draft

    As the Commanders make splash in free agency to improve offense, one analyst predicts they will select this Ohio State RB in the 2025 NFL Draft.

    Chiefs Predicted To Add New Toy for Patrick Mahomes, Picking High-Upside 25-TD WR in 1st Round of NFL Draft

    The Kansas City Chiefs have hit on two explosive young receivers in recent NFL drafts, and according to the latest PFSN mock, they aren't done yet.

    Giants Predicted To Add Explosive QB-WR Duo of the Future in 1st 2 Rounds of 2025 NFL Draft

    The New York Giants are about to add massive firepower to their offense in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to the latest PFSN three-round mock.
    Join the Conversation!