When the story of the Greatest Show on Turf gets told, the only thing mentioned about the Rams’ 1999 defense is that it existed. All the fame and glory from that championship season has been and continues to be given to the offensive prowess displayed and points scored by the team.
However, behind the offense was a defense that was filled with stars and produced game-winning performances. Leading the pass rush was a consensus All-American and 1995 first-round pick from the University of Florida named Kevin Carter.
A monster among men, entering the 1999 season, Carter was a four-year veteran who had 35 career sacks and 192 total tackles. He was also named team MVP for the 1998 season.
Carter took his game to a new level in 1999, putting together one of the most impressive defensive performances in team history. While all eyes were on the offense, Carter put up a career-high 17 sacks, a mark that led the NFL that season.
Carter’s 17 sacks were the most recorded by a Ram since Jack Youngblood’s 18-sack season in 1979. As a result of Carter’s play, the Rams were the No. 1 rushing defense in the NFL and had the most sacks that season as Carter earned his first Pro Bowl honor. He was also a first-team All-Pro selection.
In the postseason, Carter would record a sack in each of the Rams’ three playoff wins, including the team’s lone sack against Steve McNair in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Carter would spend one more season in St. Louis, recording 35 tackles and 10.5 sacks, before he was traded to Tennessee. After leaving the Rams, Carter played eight more NFL seasons with the Titans, Dolphins and Buccaneers before retiring.
Carter finished his career with another Pro Bowl selection, 104.5 career sacks and 637 career tackles. In retirement, Carter continues his work with the Kevin Carter Foundation, something he started during his career and has worked with Make-A-Wish. He also helps provide scholarships to college athletes.
Carter is a member of the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.
A pivotal part of the Rams’ success in St. Louis, Carter’s legacy will forever be sealed beside the Lombardi Trophy.
