Tennessee Titans safety Shyheim Carter has had a remarkable NFL career filled with trials and tribulations. Despite being released from teams eight times, his unwavering dedication finally led him to make his long-awaited NFL regular-season debut this past Sunday, marking a significant milestone in his journey from adversity to success.
Carter, a former standout defensive back from the University of Alabama, shared his exhilaration and gratitude for the opportunity with Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official website. In the Tennessee locker room, he reflected on the emotional and spiritual aspects of his NFL debut.
“It was a fun experience,” Carter remarked, “Working so hard, staying down, and just to be able to get this opportunity, having the players and the coaches trust in me to get the job done and for it to be my NFL debut, man, it was fun.”
However, his feelings extended beyond mere excitement. Carter described the profound impact of the moment on his emotions and spirituality, saying, “A lot of guys in the DB room knew this was my first NFL game, and a lot of guys, they were just saying, like, how happy and how proud they were of me. And, man, it went a long way. A few tears were shed, but, man, it was just so surreal. … Just watch God work. Just seeing him unfold everything. It was able to bring tears of joy and just, like, put a big smile on my face seeing him work, seeing him flourish.”
Carter, currently a member of the Titans’ practice squad, seized the opportunity to play in the NFL by being elevated for Sunday’s game. He contributed to his team’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, participating in 11 defensive snaps and 11 special-team plays and registering one tackle on special teams.
Despite this achievement, Carter remains humble, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of his NFL journey. He expressed his determination to continue working hard and making a lasting impact on the team: “I come in to work every day not knowing if I’m going to be elevated if I’m going to be on the practice squad, or if I’m going to be released.
I come in with the mindset that I’m being evaluated every day for everything I do. Just come in, keeping my head down, working every day just to be able to get a chance like that. Hopefully, I did some great things, and, hopefully, I created a role on this team and still will be able to create a role.”
Carter’s path to the NFL started at the University of Alabama, where he played a versatile role in the Crimson Tide’s defense. He entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the New York Jets in 2020. Since then, he has persevered through various training camps, preseason games, and practice squad assignments with the Jets, Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, and the Tennessee Titans.
Following the 2020 season, Carter spent time as a graduate assistant on the coaching staff at the University of Alabama. However, his determination led him back to the NFL when he earned a contract with the Houston Texans after participating in their rookie minicamp as a tryout player in May 2021.
Carter joined the Tennessee Titans for the first time on December 30, 2021, as a member of the practice squad. Despite being released by the Titans multiple times, the team consistently brought him back, a testament to his perseverance and talent.
As Carter continues his NFL journey, he and the Titans prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts in their upcoming game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
