Allen Carter

Wayne Allen Carter (born December 12, 1952) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) in 1975 and 1976. He played college football for the USC Trojans.

High school Carter had outstanding high school football career at Bonita High School, where he was considered by some observers to be one of the top high school running backs of the time. In his freshman year, Allen led the USC freshman team in rushing. As a junior in 1973, again playing behind Davis and McNeill, Carter rushed 43 times for 294 yards, a 6.8 yard average.

Professional career Carter was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round with the 86th overall pick of the 1975 NFL draft. The Patriots had received the pick from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for wide receiver Reggie Rucker. With the Patriots he was reunited with fellow running back Sam Cunningham, who had been his fullback on the 1972 USC team.

Carter was primarily a kick returner for the 1975 Patriots. He rushed only 22 times for 95 yards, a 4.3 yard average. His 99-yard return was the 2nd longest in the NFL that season. The touchdown was also enough to tie the league lead for kickoff return touchdowns for the season. He returned just one kickoff for 19 yards and did not have any rushes or receptions. He was waived by the Jets shortly thereafter.

Post-retirement After his football career ended, Carter became a teacher, activities director, and assistant football coach at Anaheim High School.