A 2007 graduate from the University of Notre Dame, Carlson was a team captain while playing tight end and special teams for the Fighting Irish. He was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Carlson completed a 7-year career in the NFL that included seasons with Seattle, Minnesota, and Arizona. In 2018, he received his Master's Degree in Sports and Performance Psychology from the University of Denver. He is an experienced youth coach, mental skills trainer, and business owner. Coach Carlson’s wife Danielle, is also a 2007 Notre Dame graduate, where she was a team captain on the volleyball squad. The Carlsons have four children and attend Christ Church in Gilbert.
