Guide Note

Carson Palmer is a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. Palmer won the Heisman Trophy in 2002, his senior season at USC. He was drafted by the Bengals with the first overall pick in 2003.

Fast Facts

1. Born: December 27, 1979
2. Birthplace: Fresno, California
3. Height: 6'5"
4. Weight: 230 lbs
5. College: USC
6. Drafted #1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003
7. Pro Bowl (2005, 2006)
8. 2002 Heisman Trophy winner
9. 2005 FedEx Air Player of the Year
10. 2007 Pro Bowl MVP

Carson Palmer did not play a single snap during his rookie season as backup to Jon Kitna. Kitna mentored Palmer during his first year and Palmer was named the starter for the 2004 season. Palmer made mistakes, but managed to throw for 2,897 yards with 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in 13 games in 2004. The team finished with an 8-8 record for the second year in a row.

Palmer had his breakout season in 2005, throwing for a league-leading 32 touchdown passes while leading the team to an 11-5 record. The Bengals won their first division title since 1990.

In the Bengals first round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Palmer suffered a severe knee injury on the Bengals' second offensive play. Palmer had to be taken off the field on a cart, ending his season. Palmer had torn both the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments and would require surgery to repair the damage. The Steelers went on to beat the Bengals, who had to play backup Jon Kitna in place of the injured Palmer.

Palmer rehabilitated his knee in time to return for the start of the 2006 season. Despite putting up good numbers since his injury, the Bengals have been unable to duplicate the success of the 2005 season.