Carlos Dunlap
Carlos Dunlap (born February 28, 1989) is a former American football defensive end who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons from 2010 to 2022.[1] Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round (54th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, Dunlap spent the first 10 years of his career with the Bengals, where he established himself as a prolific pass rusher with 81.5 sacks.[1][2] He was later traded to the Seattle Seahawks midway through the 2020 season, played there through 2021, and concluded his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, contributing to their Super Bowl LVII victory.[1] Over his career, Dunlap amassed 100 sacks, earned two Pro Bowl selections in 2015 and 2016, and was recognized for his consistent production, including at least six sacks in 11 of his 13 seasons.[3] Born in North Charleston, South Carolina, Dunlap attended Fort Dorchester High School before enrolling at the University of Florida, where he played for the Gators from 2007 to 2009.[2] As a sophomore in 2008, he led the team with 9.5 sacks and was named Defensive MVP of the BCS National Championship Game after Florida defeated Oklahoma.[2] In his junior year, Dunlap earned first-team All-SEC honors and recorded 9.5 sacks, helping the Gators to a 13-1 record before declaring for the NFL Draft.[1] He later earned an MBA from the University of Miami in 2016 while continuing his professional career.[3] Dunlap's NFL tenure was marked by durability and impact, appearing in 197 games with 138 starts and ranking among the top pass rushers with 100 sacks since 2010.[1] His breakout season came in 2015 with a career-high 13.5 sacks for the Bengals, earning Pro Bowl nods that year (13.5 sacks) and in 2016 (8.0 sacks).[1] After being traded to Seattle in October 2020 amid reported team tensions, he revitalized his role, notching 8.5 sacks in 2021—his most productive year since 2017.[2] Joining the Chiefs on a one-year deal in 2022 at age 33, Dunlap provided veteran depth on the defensive line and celebrated his first championship ring in Super Bowl LVII.[3] Following the 2022 season, Dunlap retired from professional football.[3]Early life and education
Family background and childhood
Carlos Dunlap was born on February 28, 1989, in North Charleston, South Carolina, to parents Carlos Dunlap Sr. and Diane Brown Ross.[4][5] He grew up in a family with a strong military background that instilled discipline and service-oriented values in him and his two siblings.[6][7] His father had served in both the U.S. Air Force and Navy before becoming a bail bondsman in North Charleston, operating Dunlap Bail Bonding for nearly three decades.[8][9] His mother served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a dental hygienist while working as a longtime educator and school administrator in the Charleston area, eventually becoming principal of Goodwin Elementary School.[10][6] From an early age, Dunlap displayed a natural inclination toward sports, influenced by the structured environment of his family's military heritage.[11][12] His parents emphasized humility, hard work, and community involvement, requiring their children to contribute to the family business and participate in local activities.[8] Carlos Dunlap Sr. passed away in January 2022.[13] This upbringing in North Charleston laid the foundation for his personal development before he entered high school athletics.High school career
Carlos Dunlap attended Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston, South Carolina, where he emerged as a standout athlete in multiple sports.[1] During his high school football career, Dunlap played both defensive end and tight end, showcasing his versatility and athleticism at 6-foot-6 and over 250 pounds. He also contributed on special teams by returning kickoffs, adding to his dynamic presence on the field.[14][15] As a senior in 2006, Dunlap recorded 16 sacks and 36 tackles for loss, dominating opposing offenses and helping lead the Patriots to a strong season. His performance earned him selection to the All-State team and recognition as the North-South All-Star Game Defensive MVP, highlighting his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the state.[16] To maintain his conditioning during football off-seasons, Dunlap participated in basketball and track and field, further demonstrating his elite athletic ability.[17] Dunlap's high school exploits drew widespread attention from college recruiters, positioning him as a five-star prospect and the No. 1 defensive end in the nation for the class of 2007. He received offers from several top programs, including in-state rivals Clemson and South Carolina, but ultimately committed to the University of Florida, where he signed in February 2007. This decision capped his recruitment process and marked the beginning of his transition to college football.[14][18][19]College career
Dunlap enrolled at the University of Florida in 2007 as a highly touted defensive end recruit. As a true freshman that season, he appeared in 12 games primarily on special teams and in rotational duty, recording seven total tackles including one sack.[20] In his sophomore year of 2008, Dunlap emerged as a key contributor to the Gators' defense, starting all 14 games and tallying 39 tackles (21 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high 9.5 sacks, which led the Southeastern Conference.[20][4] His performance was pivotal in Florida's undefeated regular season and national championship run, where he earned Defensive MVP honors in the BCS National Championship Game victory over Oklahoma, registering three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.[21] As a junior in 2009, Dunlap started all 13 games despite facing personal challenges, leading the team with nine sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss while adding 38 total tackles and six pass deflections.[20][4] He was named a first-team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press, Sporting News, and conference coaches.[4] In December 2009, Dunlap was arrested for driving under the influence, leading to a one-game suspension for violating team rules and missing the SEC Championship Game against Alabama; he was reinstated for the postseason.[22] The Gators advanced to the BCS National Championship but fell to Alabama 32-13. On January 11, 2010, Dunlap announced his decision to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was projected as a first-round talent but ultimately selected in the second round due to concerns over his off-field incident.[23]Professional career
Cincinnati Bengals
Carlos Dunlap was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round (54th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida.[1] He signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $3.72 million, including a signing bonus of $1.23 million. In his debut season, Dunlap recorded 9.5 sacks, establishing a franchise rookie record and contributing significantly to the Bengals' defensive efforts despite the team's 4–12 finish.[1][24] Dunlap emerged as a cornerstone of the Bengals' defensive line over the ensuing years, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2015 after leading the team with a career-high 13.5 sacks and again in 2016 with 8.0 sacks.[1] His consistent production included a 2013 five-year contract extension valued at $40 million, which solidified his role as a starter opposite Geno Atkins.[25] However, entering the final year of that deal in 2018, Dunlap skipped organized team activities amid ongoing contract negotiations, forfeiting workout bonuses in pursuit of better terms; he later agreed to a three-year, $45 million extension.[26] By 2019, with the Bengals struggling to a 2–14 record, Dunlap led the team with 9 sacks but grew increasingly frustrated with the defensive scheme and overall performance, publicly requesting a trade late in the season.[1][27] These tensions persisted into 2020, culminating in his trade to the Seattle Seahawks on October 28 for a 2021 seventh-round draft pick and offensive lineman B.J. Finney.[28] Over 11 seasons in Cincinnati, Dunlap accumulated 82.5 sacks, surpassing all previous Bengals players to become the franchise's all-time leader in that category at the time of his departure.[1]Seattle Seahawks
On October 28, 2020, the Seattle Seahawks acquired Carlos Dunlap from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for offensive lineman B. J. Finney and a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, following Dunlap's trade request amid frustrations with his role in Cincinnati.[28] He made his debut with the Seahawks on November 8, 2020, against the Buffalo Bills, recording one sack on quarterback Josh Allen during a 44–34 loss.[29] In Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals, Dunlap notched two sacks, including a game-sealing sack on Kyler Murray in the final minute to secure a 28–21 victory. In eight games with the Seahawks during the 2020 season, Dunlap registered 5.0 sacks, 14 combined tackles, and contributed to the Seahawks' pass rush as they finished 12–5 and advanced to the NFC Wild Card playoffs, though they lost to the Los Angeles Rams.[1] His addition provided an immediate boost to a defense seeking veteran edge presence. In March 2021, after an initial release on March 8 to manage salary cap space, the Seahawks re-signed Dunlap to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with $8.5 million guaranteed, signaling their intent to retain his experience.[30][31] In 2021, Dunlap appeared in all 17 games, starting two, and led the team with 8.5 sacks while recording 35 combined tackles and one forced fumble, helping stabilize the defensive line during a transitional 7–10 season without playoffs.[1] Beyond statistics, Dunlap emphasized veteran leadership, mentoring younger players such as rookie edge rusher Darrell Taylor on technique and preparation, which aided the development of Seattle's evolving defense under new coordinator Ken Norton Jr.[32] On March 18, 2022, the Seahawks released Dunlap with a post-June 1 designation as part of broader salary cap maneuvers during their rebuild following the trade of quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, saving approximately $5.1 million in cap space.[33] Over his two partial seasons with Seattle, spanning 25 games, Dunlap amassed 13.5 sacks—the highest on the team in 2021—and was valued for his professionalism in guiding a youthful unit through roster changes.[1]Kansas City Chiefs
On July 28, 2022, Dunlap signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $8 million.[34][35] During the 2022 regular season, he appeared in all 17 games, starting two, and recorded 4 sacks while serving in a rotational role on the defensive line behind established players like Frank Clark and Chris Jones.[1][36] In the playoffs, Dunlap contributed to the Chiefs' postseason run. The Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38–35 in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, earning Dunlap his first NFL championship.[37] That season also marked a career milestone for Dunlap, as he reached 100 sacks during a Week 10 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, becoming the 41st player in NFL history to achieve the feat.[38][39] Following the Super Bowl, Dunlap expressed interest in continuing his career but entered free agency in March 2023 without signing for the 2023 or 2024 seasons.[37] His last NFL game was Super Bowl LVII, and by 2024, he had retired from professional football, as confirmed in public appearances.[1]Career statistics and accomplishments
Regular season statistics
Dunlap's NFL regular season career spanned 13 seasons from 2010 to 2022, during which he appeared in 197 games, starting 125, and recorded 384 solo tackles, 194 assisted tackles, 100 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 9 fumble recoveries.[1] Initially a rotational defensive end with the Cincinnati Bengals, he evolved into a full-time starter from 2013 to 2019, amassing the bulk of his production in that role before transitioning to a situational pass-rusher with the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs in his later years.[1] In advanced metrics, Dunlap's career Approximate Value stands at 84, reflecting his consistent impact as a defensive end, with peak seasonal values of 13 in 2015 and rankings among the league's top pass-rushers in multiple years.[1] His pass-rush win rates, per Pro Football Focus, reached highs of 15.3% in 2021 and demonstrated efficiency in rotational usage during his tenure with Seattle.[40] The following table summarizes Dunlap's regular season defensive statistics by year:| Year | Team | G | GS | Solo | Ast | Sk | Int | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | CIN | 12 | 0 | 19 | 5 | 9.5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 | CIN | 12 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 4.5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2012 | CIN | 14 | 1 | 34 | 7 | 6.0 | 1 | 3 |
| 2013 | CIN | 16 | 15 | 39 | 19 | 7.5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 | CIN | 16 | 16 | 40 | 26 | 8.0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2015 | CIN | 16 | 16 | 37 | 18 | 13.5 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 | CIN | 16 | 16 | 30 | 19 | 8.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | CIN | 16 | 16 | 35 | 11 | 7.5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 | CIN | 16 | 16 | 31 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | CIN | 14 | 14 | 39 | 24 | 9.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | CIN/SEA | 15 | 10 | 20 | 12 | 6.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | SEA | 17 | 2 | 24 | 11 | 8.5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | KC | 17 | 2 | 25 | 14 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 197 | 125 | 384 | 194 | 100.0 | 2 | 9 |