Carson Tinker

BIOGRAPHY

Carson Tinker, born on November 15, 1989, is a former American football player known for his pivotal role as a long snapper. Hailing from Decatur, Alabama, Tinker demonstrated his sporting prowess at The University of Alabama, where he began his journey in the world of American football. Throughout his college years, Tinker was greatly instrumental in securing victories for his team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, on several championship matches.

In 2009, Tinker enjoyed his first taste of victory when Alabama won the National Championship. However, it wasn’t until the 2010 season that Tinker made a remarkable stride in his athletic career, earning the role of starting long snapper for the Crimson Tide. It was during this period that he successfully converted 121 out of 123 snapping opportunities.

His consistency and proficiency were seen yet again during the 2011 season, where Tinker flawlessly converted all 119 snapping opportunities, a striking performance that positively influenced the team’s path to the 2011 national championship.

Tinker’s extensive contributions were not only recognized by his teammates but by the larger football community. In acknowledgment of the team’s collective efforts in bettering Tuscaloosa after experiencing a devastating tornado, Tinker was asked by his teammates to accept the 2011 Disney’s Wide World of Sports Spirit Award on their behalf.

During his senior season at Alabama, Tinker was once more relied upon as the starting long snapper. True to form, he converted 133 out of 135 snapping opportunities during that season. His exceptional performance further solidified Tinker as the top available long snapper for the 2013 NFL Draft.

After leaving college, Tinker went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft but quickly signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the same year. Despite fierce competition from veteran Jeremy Cain and rookie Luke Ingram, Tinker won the starting position as the team’s long snapper.

Unfortunately, in 2017 and 2018, Tinker suffered a series of injuries, including a torn ACL, which put him on the injured reserve list. The Jaguars released Tinker in 2019 due to salary cap space issues.

However, this setback wasn’t the end for Tinker. After a season of sitting out, he signed with the New York Giants in 2020, but was later released to play on the practice squad. Although Tinker spent time in Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, he eventually found his way back to where it all began by signing with the Los Angeles Rams.

His commitment paid off, as Tinker won his first Super Bowl ring when the Rams triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. The determined player then spent a brief period with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 before returning to the Jaguars in 2023.

Despite the triumphs on the field, Tinker’s life wasn’t without major trials. On April 27, 2011, Tinker suffered a tragic personal loss when his girlfriend, Ashley Harrison, was killed in a tornado that devastated Tuscaloosa – Birmingham. Deeply impacted by the incident, Tinker committed himself to helping his community heal and rebuild.

In recognition of his extensive community service, Tinker was named a finalist for the 2011 Sportsman of the Year. Further showcasing his resilience, Tinker penned his first book, “A Season to Remember: Faith in the Midst of the Storm” in 2014, recounting his experiences in the wake of the Tuscaloosa tornado and the subsequent football championship season. He also channeled his philanthropic spirit into establishing The Be A Blessing Foundation, aimed at supporting individuals facing various types of loss or hardship.

As Carson Tinker looks back at his athletic journey, he finds a track record of perseverance, dedication, and unyielding resilience – both in the face of a fiercely competitive sport and life’s most challenging moments. His legacy in American football, coupled with his unwavering commitment to aiding those in need, continues to serve as an inspiration for many.