As he reflected on his successful pro career, the Middletown High School star was particularly emotional when he talked about overcoming substance abuse and his battle with alcoholism.
“It’s well documented my substance abuse and being alcoholic, until that day Sept. 19, 1990, when I stopped drinking, that’s when my life started getting better. So there were no football decisions, that life choice I made on that day is the most significant thing that would lead me to get here,” said Carter.
Carter, known for his amazing catching abilities on the football field said a rigorous training regimen and God-given talents were the main reasons for him being inducted into the Hall of Fame this weekend.
“People in life lose insight just really on as human beings what our lives are supposed to be. At the end of the day all you really have is your faith and (what) you believe in, and without faith I would’ve long given up,” said Carter.
The Minnesota Viking wideout will be inducted into the Hall of Fame today along with Larry Allen, Curley Culp, Jonathan Ogden, Bill Parcells, Dave Robinson and Warren Sapp.
Over 12 seasons in Minnesota, he led the Vikings in receptions for 10 straight seasons (1991-2000). In 1994 and 1995 he registered 244 catches, the most in NFL history.
But before the bright lights of the NFL, his football magic began in Middletown. “People in Middletown know that … how I feel about them. They know I love them and appreciate them,” said Carter.
He said his former high school coach Bill Conley will be in Canton, as well former coaches Earl Bruce and Urban Meyer. Carter said his son will introduce him Saturday night.
During his playing days Carter said he never focused on trying to make the Hall of Fame.
“You don’t think about stuff like this. You don’t do it. I mean only 280 players in there why would you be thinking about it — 25,000 players only 280 in the hall — why would you be thinking about being in the hall? It’s the rarest of things. Guys told me you have a better chance of being struck by lightning twice!” said Carter.
Carter, who admitted he hasn’t written a speech yet, said he will likely focus on his years in Minnesota and his one regret as a pro athlete.
“The thing I really wish is that we would’ve won that championship for the people. That’s my only regret for being in Minnesota because (of) what they did for my life. Every time I went out there, I used to play for those people, and man I wanted to win. I mean people talked about guys who don’t win championships, man I wanted to win!” said Carter.
Players entering the NFL now are very different than when he played, Carter said.
“They have less fear of their life and less fear of losing their life and less cognisant of other people’s lives. We’re getting players that have a tremendous amount of issues we’re not developing them when they come into the league with a lot of issues,” he said. But he added that the NFL has programs to help address the issues that players face.
Hall of Fame officials report there will be a record 121 returning Hall of Famers who will take part in the celebration. The formal Enshrinement Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday. The NFL’s Hall of Fame game will be on Sunday night between the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.
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