Carter Brings Local Flavor to Super Bowl

Former Mandarin standout now a member of the Broncos

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The First Coast will be well-represented at Super Bowl XVIII.

Tony Carter is a reserve cornerback for the Denver Broncos. But he got his start at Mandarin High. He was cut from the junior varsity team but got a second chance when his coach, Bruno Bernoski, allowed him to try out again.

"He doesn't look like a guy, even to this day that should be playing football, but he's overcome his size with his jumping and speed ability," said Bernoski, now his agent.

Carter went on to play at Florida State but a career in the NFL did not come without disappointment along the way.

"He's been cut five times by three teams and never really got a fair opportunity in camp but this year he did and that's why he's getting an opportunity to go out there and show what he can do," said Bernoski. "He stuck with it through a lot of adversity."

Carter admits he does not know where he'd be without the sport.

"It's definitely changed my life a lot, open up so many other opportunities just from playing football," Carter said.

Carter is not the only Broncos defensive back from the area. Champ Bailey played his high school ball at Charlton County before moving on to Georgia.

The Broncos and Seahawks play in Super Bowl XVIII on Sunday at 6:25 PM.