DeWayne Carter Bio
DeWayne Carter, born on December 10, 2000, is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 307 pounds, he plays on the interior defensive line and is recognized as a promising young player in the league. After a standout college career at Duke, Carter was selected by the Bills in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft and quickly contributed to the team’s defensive rotation.
Early Life and Background
DeWayne Carter grew up in Pickerington, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus that has produced several notable athletes. He attended Pickerington Central High School, where he developed into one of the top defensive line prospects in the state. During his senior season, Carter posted 83 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks, earning recognition as the All-Metro Team Defensive Player of the Year by The Columbus Dispatch.
His performance at Pickerington Central drew the attention of college recruiters across the country, and he ultimately committed to play college football at Duke University. Carter’s combination of size, quickness, and strength made him an attractive recruit for a program looking to rebuild its defensive front. His background in central Ohio helped shape his work ethic and physical style of play.
Path to American Football
Carter’s path to professional football began at Duke, where he joined a program seeking to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. As a freshman in 2019, he saw limited action and recorded just one tackle against Alabama. He quickly adjusted to the college level and showed steady improvement over the following seasons, gradually earning a larger role on the Blue Devils’ defensive line.
Throughout his development at Duke, Carter benefited from consistent coaching and a clear role within the defensive scheme. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and force turnovers became hallmarks of his game. By his junior season, he had established himself as one of the top defensive tackles in the ACC, setting the stage for his transition to the NFL.
DeWayne Carter Career
Early Career at Duke (2019–2021)
DeWayne Carter’s early college career was marked by steady growth and increasing production. After a quiet freshman campaign, he recorded 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and even one reception for 11 yards during the 2020 season. In 2021, Carter enjoyed a breakthrough year, finishing with 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and four forced fumbles. His performance against Northwestern, where he tallied three tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles, earned him third-team All-ACC honors.
Duke Blue Devils Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Carter elevated his play during the 2022 season, consistently impacting games from the defensive tackle position. He opened the year strong with four tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble in a win over Northwestern. Later in the season, he recorded two tackles, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble in a 45–21 victory over Miami, followed by a five-tackle, two-sack performance against Boston College that helped Duke become bowl eligible for the first time since 2018. Carter finished 2022 with 36 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and a touchdown, earning second-team All-ACC recognition.
Heading into the 2023 season, Carter was named to the preseason All-ACC first team and added to the Bronko Nagurski Award preseason watch list. He continued to anchor the Blue Devils’ defensive front and built on his reputation as one of the conference’s top interior linemen. His consistent production throughout his college career made him a viable NFL prospect heading into the 2024 draft cycle.
Buffalo Bills Era (2024–Present)
The Buffalo Bills selected DeWayne Carter with the 95th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he appeared in 11 games with three starts and contributed one pass deflection and 14 combined tackles. His early production gave the Bills a promising young piece along their defensive interior.
However, on August 31, 2025, Carter suffered a torn Achilles tendon and was ruled out for the 2025 season. The injury was a significant setback, but the Bills remain confident in his long-term potential. Carter’s work ethic and prior production suggest he can return to form once healthy.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carter is known for his combination of strength, leverage, and motor at the defensive tackle position. He excels at disrupting plays in the backfield, forcing fumbles, and pressuring opposing quarterbacks from the interior. His ability to anchor against the run while also collapsing the pocket makes him a versatile defender.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Carter’s signature performances was his three-tackle, one-sack, two-forced-fumble game against Northwestern in 2021, which announced his arrival as a playmaker. His 2022 season, which included a touchdown and second-team All-ACC honors, further cemented his draft stock. Being selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft marked the beginning of his professional career.
DeWayne Carter Career Wins
DeWayne Carter’s career wins include individual conference honors earned throughout his time at Duke, where he was a three-time All-ACC selection. While team wins varied, his personal accolades reflect consistent excellence on the defensive line. He has continued his development at the professional level with the Buffalo Bills.
ACC and College Highlights
Carter earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2021, second-team All-ACC honors in 2022, and first-team All-ACC honors in 2023, making him one of the most decorated defensive tackles in Duke’s recent history. His consistent production earned him preseason All-ACC first-team recognition and a spot on the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list. He helped Duke reach bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018 with a key win over Boston College in 2022.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his conference honors, Carter was named the All-Metro Team Defensive Player of the Year by The Columbus Dispatch following his senior season at Pickerington Central. His selection in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft stands as a significant milestone in his professional journey.
DeWayne Carter Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
DeWayne Carter grew up in Pickerington, Ohio, and attended Pickerington Central High School, where he became one of the most highly recruited defensive linemen in the state. His upbringing in central Ohio helped shape his competitive drive and physical approach to the game. Details about his immediate family are not publicly documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Carter focuses much of his public presence on his football career and remains active on social media, where fans can follow his updates. As of available records, he is not publicly known to be married. His professional commitments with the Buffalo Bills remain the central focus of his public life as he recovers from injury.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was expected to be a developmental year for DeWayne Carter as he built on his rookie experience with the Buffalo Bills. He entered training camp looking to expand his role along the defensive interior following an 11-game rookie campaign that included 14 combined tackles and one pass deflection. The Bills valued his ability to disrupt the run game and pressure quarterbacks from the interior.
Unfortunately, Carter’s 2025 season was cut short on August 31, when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon and was ruled out for the year. The injury was a major setback for both the player and the team, which had planned to integrate him more fully into the defensive rotation. His recovery will be a key storyline heading into the next league year.
Looking ahead, Carter remains a player the Bills believe in for the long term. His college production, including three All-ACC selections, suggests he has the tools to become a reliable contributor once he returns to full health. The organization is expected to support his rehabilitation and monitor his progress closely as he works toward a comeback.