NOLAN CARROLL
Nolan Carroll II, born January 18th, 1987, in Jacksonville, Florida, seemed destined to be an athlete. Even as a younger child, Nolan seemed to be all over the house, constantly running around. At six, he quickly found a new love for playing soccer at a local YMCA. He was always ready for new challenges during his childhood, becoming involved in track and field in elementary school. Growing up, however, wasn't traditional considering both of his parents were in the military; however, thankfully, the majority of their time in the service was in Jacksonville. Nolan attributes his parents regimented parenting style growing up to his long career in the NFL.
Nolan was drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL draft to the Miami Dolphins, where he excelled in his four years. Nolan started 20 games in his 3 1/2 years with Miami and was a playmaker at all levels: he had three interceptions, one forced fumble, and 2 QB sacks in his career with the Dolphins. An elite cover corner- among corners that have played at least 50% of their team's snaps in 2011, Nolan ranked 6/69 in completion % at just 47.5! And among corners that have played at least 50% of their team's snaps in 2013, Nolan ranked 5/69 in missed tackles with just one. In 2013 Nolan lead all Dolphins cornerbacks in tackle percentage stopping and opposing QB completion percentage. Nolan was one of the top free-agent corners available in 2014. In 2014 Nolan made the list of potential pro bowl eligible players.
As a free agent, Nolan signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. In 2015 week 6, Nolan was named to "Gruden's Grinder." Nolan shut down Odell Beckham Jr. and had a pick-6 to put the game away. By the 11th game in the 2015 season, before his season-ending injury when fellow players fell on and broke Nolan's fibula, Nolan ranked 2nd amongst all NFL cornerbacks with 57 tackles, ten passes defended, and two interceptions, including a return for a touchdown. In 2015 Nolan made the list of potential pro bowl eligible players.
In 2016 Nolan established the Nolan Carroll Foundation to support educational opportunities and promote a healthy lifestyle for today's disadvantaged youths. The foundation is active in many communities throughout the country, providing STEM educational opportunities, adopt-a-school support, and challenge reading programs to help improve academic achievements among at-risk kids. For the latest foundation news, be sure to check out our programs page.