Abdul Carter is in contention to become just the third Penn State player in history to go No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. While that scenario isn’t likely, he’s widely projected as a top-five pick.
Carter’s parents have been a pivotal part of his football journey, and as he sets his sights on Green Bay and that top draft slot, let’s get to know the people who raised him.
Meet 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Abdul Carter’s Parents
Carter was born to parents Christopher and Tina on Jan. 2, 2004, in Philadelphia. He grew up near Glenside and attended La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor.
Carter has credited his toughness to his Philly roots, saying they helped shape the player — and person — he is today.
“I feel like I’m shaped a lot by my Philly root, it’s my toughness, my grit. I feel like really the biggest thing I can take from Philly, and it really made me into the man I am today,” he said at the NFL Scouting Combine press conference.
Alongside Philly itself, Carter’s father Christopher has played a major role in his career. He taught Abdul both chess and football when he was young. While he focused more on football, the strategy and discipline from chess likely helped shape his decision-making on the field.
Not much is publicly known about Christopher and Tina’s professional lives. However, Carter once shared that the family grew up supporting the Philadelphia Eagles — and he even got to take his dad to see them win the Super Bowl.
“You know, being from Philly, born and raised supporting the Eagles really my whole life. Got to take my dad to the Super Bowl just enjoying being a fan one last year, and so whatever team drafts me, I’m loyal to that team,” he said.
The 21-year-old has four siblings: two sisters, Cheryl and Cianie, and two brothers, Hakim and Isaiah.
PFSN’s Draft Projection For Carter
A unanimous All-American and the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter made a huge impact in his first year as a true pass rusher. With all eyes on the upcoming draft, Carter is hoping to be one of the first players off the board.
In PFSN’s latest mock draft by Cameron Sheath, Carter is projected to be selected third overall by the New York Giants.
Sheath wrote, “The New York Giants played their hand by signing both Winston and Wilson. While they could still draft Shedeur Sanders here after the Cleveland Browns trade back, it would be a desperate, messy look for Joe Schoen, who is already on thin ice.
“The Giants’ 45 sacks ranked eighth (tied) in the NFL in 2024, but Carter takes their already-respectable pass rush to another level. Carter is one of the few standout prospects in the 2025 draft class and would be another key piece to the Giants’ puzzle after a positive draft last year.
“The Giants face an uphill battle to compete in a stacked NFC East, with the Washington Commanders having completely flipped their script in 2024. Dak Prescott’s return to health should help the Dallas Cowboys recover in 2025. The Giants will still be underdogs in their division, but drafting Carter and Malik Nabers in back-to-back years should at least make them competitive.”
