WAU Encyclopedia

GOAT return specialist

Garrett Carter

Multipurpose weapon · Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Five seasons were enough because he believed he had already accomplished what he wanted.

01 / Biography

Life and background

Childhood and Florida

Garrett grew up in a supportive Tampa household with interests beyond sports. He chose Florida because it offered the best opportunity to showcase his versatility.

Draft and playing career

Teams largely viewed Garrett as a return specialist, while scouts struggled to identify his NFL position. He fell to Round 7, Pick 17 in 2013. Five NFL seasons were enough for him: he retired after 2017 believing he had accomplished what he wanted.

Coaching career

Garrett was Florida’s special teams coordinator from 2020 through 2024. He became the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator in 2025 and left in 2027 before the college season to take over as Florida’s head coach.

He led Florida from the 2027 season through 2040 and won four national titles: 2029, 2032, 2033 and 2037. He combined energetic motivation, patient player development and creative use of versatile players, while letting players express themselves.

Broadcasting and community work

Garrett left Florida after 2040 to focus on broadcasting. He worked as a game commentator and co-hosted a show with Mac Walls. He also mentored players, ran football camps and supported charities and local community programs.

Private life

Garrett was single and had no children. His friendship with Mac continued beyond their playing days and into their shared show.

02 / Career & Football Identity

The player and the résumé

Loud, funny and comfortable in the spotlight, Carter became Mac’s closest teammate and the WAU’s return-specialist benchmark.

03 / Personality

The person behind the record

Garrett was loud, funny and comfortable in the spotlight. As a coach, his energy and creativity were accompanied by patience and a commitment to developing players.

04 / Relationships

People in the record

05 / Legacy & Analysis

What the life and résumé mean

He retired after five seasons by choice, not because the role had stopped producing.