Daniel Carlson

Kicker

Daniel Carlson is looking to improve his kicking stats this season. After converting only 19 of 26 of his field goal attempts in 2019, he’s going for distance. In 16 games with the Raiders, Carlson went 8-for-8 from 20-29 yards, 5-for-6 for 30-39 yards, and 6-for-10 from 40-49 yards.

Adding in the “please make it” category, there is still room for improvement for the 25-year-old kicker after missing his two field goals from 50-59 yards.

Carlson is an asset to the Raiders and is ranked in the top 5 kickers in the league at the age of 25. Daniel was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 5th round of the 2018 draft. For a kicker, that’s like the 1st round. then Carlson went on to beat veteran kicker Kai Forbath for a spot on the 53-man roster.

He converted all three extra-point kicks and a field goal in his NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately his tenure with Minnesota didn’t take long as he was released on September 16, 2018, a day after missing three key field goal attempts in a game against the Green Bay Packers.

Daniel Carlson Plays For The Raiders

The Raiders were in the market for a kicker after Mike Nugent was done for the season in 2018. Coach Rich Bisaccia knew he wanted Carlson immediately after having evaluated him while he was in college.

They offered Daniel a place on the team. Amazingly, he turned the Raiders down wanting to take time to get his confidence back and his technique down again. A month later he was ready, and the Raiders still wanted him.

During his Raider debut, Carlson made four extra points conversions in a 42-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Week No. 11, Carlson capped two extra points and three-field goal conversions. His stand-out performance ended with a 35-yard game-winning field goal against the Arizona Cardinals.

That game also earned him the “AFC Special Teams Player of the Week” title and recognition. He set a Raiders record in his rookie year by converting 94 percent of his field goal attempts. On April 16, 2020, the Raiders re-signed Carlson to a one-year contract.

Daniel had quite the year in 2021! He was ranked 1st in the NFL for total field goals made with 40! He scored a total of 150 points for the season and was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week 4 times. (Weeks 2, 12, 17, and 18. All I can say is that the 2022 season can be better!

Daniel Carlson - Did You Know?

The Carlsons During Lockdown

During the Covid 2020 shutdown, Daniel spent his time with his pregnant wife at home in Auburn, Alabama. Carlson says that slowing down and enjoying life with his wife has been a growth time personally and spiritually. His faith in God, yoga, and reading seem to have grounded him as he is back to playing well.

Daniel Carlson Family Raiders Practice Field 2022

Daniel and Katherine’s Little Kickers

There are two beautiful future Raiders kickers who might follow in their dad’s footsteps as placekickers. Although it looks like dad is introducing daughter Lily to golf before she’s 2. Congratulations to the Carlson family on their new arrival! Looks like the Raiders have quite a few Vegas Born Raiders fans!

Daniel Carlson with kids at home in Las Vegas

More Kickers In The Family

Daniel’s younger brother Anders preceded him at Auburn as their placekicker. After being red-shirted as a freshman and an ACL injury in 2021, he returned to Auburn for a 6th season in 2022. We will watch and see if the NFL snaps him up at the next draft.