T.J. Carter started 28 games at UK and had 71 career tackles. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Defensive lineman didn’t get to have a Pro Day at Kentucky in 2020 because of COVID-19 and even though he got invited to training camp as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals.
“I got cut my first week there. I thought it was a joke it happened so quick,” Carter said. “It was a good learning experience and I just have to keep persevering.”
Carter shared those thoughts before UK coach Mark Stoops allowed him to go through Pro Day recently with other UK players even though Carter was not on the 2020 Kentucky team. Carter said he had watched football to try and “keep my mind fresh” and taken classes while continuing to believe he could still play pro football.
“It goes back to God and just praying,” he said then. “I won’t say I didn’t get tired of working out but I could push through it. It is a want-to thing and sticking to your goal and working for it.”
That work has paid off as the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Carter to a free-agent contract. Carter played in 50 games at UK and started 28. He had 71 career tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six quarterback sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries. In his final season, he has 26 tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks, all career highs.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said Saturday he was “very pleased” that Carter got an NFL contract.
“I was very happy we were able to work with TJ and very happy he had a good showing at Pro Day and picked up momentum,” Stoops said. “Quite a few called and asked about him and I am excited for him.”
Stoops said since UK’s Pro Day there has been a “lot of activity” from teams interested in UK players.
