Carlos Dunlap

Carlos Dunlap is no stranger to the gridiron, racking up impressive performances and gaining accolades from fans, on-field opponents, and pundits alike. Born on February 28, 1989, Dunlap has carved out an established career in the tough, physical, and fast-paced world of American professional football. He currently plies his trade as a defensive end and is currently listed as a free agent.

Dunlap’s passion for football was evident from his high school days, honing his skill and making his mark while playing for the Fort Dorchester Patriots in his hometown of North Charleston, South Carolina. His impressive athletic performances during these formative years, which included 103 tackles and 9 quarterback sacks during his junior year, caught the attention of several college recruiters leading him to be regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com. Dunlap chose to take his talents to the University of Florida, where his performances were integral to the Florida Gators’ victory in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game.

Dunlap’s college career was not without its fair share of ups and downs. He was an instrumental part of the Gators triumphant 2009 BCS National Championship Game victory against the Oklahoma Sooners, even being named the defensive MVP of the game. However, a subsequent DUI arrest led to him being suspended for the SEC Championship, casting a cloud over his draft prospects.

Regardless of this setback, Dunlap declared for the 2010 NFL Draft after his junior year. Despite a lackluster performance in the NFL Scouting Combine, the Cincinnati Bengals saw the potential in Dunlap and selected him in the second round as the 54th overall pick. He was immediately thrust into the heart of the battle and gained valuable playing time due to injuries to his teammates, ending his rookie season with an impressive tally of 24 combined tackles and 9.5 sacks.

Dunlap’s hard work and impressive performances for the Bengals did not go unnoticed. After being named the backup defensive end for the first two games of regular-season play in 2011, due to a knee injury, he eventually fought his way back into the starting lineup in 2011, making his career debut as a starter against the Buffalo Bills.

In July 2013, Dunlap was rewarded with a five-year contract extension worth $39.37 million, a testament to the faith that the Cincinnati Bengals hierarchy had in his abilities. Dunlap repaid this faith with a career-best season in 2015 when he recorded 13.5 sacks and gained his first Pro Bowl appearance. He continued to be a valuable asset for the Bengals in subsequent years, earning his second Pro Bowl designation in 2016, posting impressive tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles numbers, while also leading non-defensive backs in passes defended with 15.

Despite his productive term with the Bengals, the relationship between Dunlap and the Bengals turned sour during the 2020 season. Dunlap expressed his frustration with reduced playing time and an apparent lack of fit in the coaching staff’s scheme, culminating in him posting about his Cincinnati house being up for sale. This led to him being traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where he made his presence known in his debut appearance against the Buffalo Bills.

Given his now apparent nomadic nature in the NFL, Dunlap found himself on the move again in March 2021 when the Seahawks released him. He returned to Seattle on a two-year contract worth $16.6 million. Dunlap, however, was once again let go in March 2022. His roller-coaster NFL journey continued when he inked a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in July 2022. His performances were integral in the team’s AFC Championship Game victory against his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs capped off a successful season by becoming Super Bowl LVII Champions after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Carlos Dunlap sees the value in education. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami, ensuring that life after football will be just as fruitful for Dunlap. Often overlooked but proving to be a key cog in every team he’s played for, Dunlap continues to be a player to watch in the ever-evolving saga of professional American football.