EXCLUSIVE: Former Eagles CB Nolan Carroll discusses life after football and his career in the NFL

Many players come and go from the city of Philadelphia, and too often, fans never hear about them again. That will never be said about former Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll. 

His career on the field was cut short prematurely due to injuries, but his impact on the sport was only beginning. 

Nolan is involved in many businesses outside of the game of football. He is also a founding member of a college and a head coach.

He recently sat down to discuss more with Philly Sports Network. 

Family

Nolan is from a military family out of Green Cove Springs, Florida. His mother rose through the United States Navy to Lieutenant Commander, later becoming the first African-American woman Lieutenant Governor of Florida. His father, Nolan Carroll, was a senior master sergeant in the United States Air Force. But his parents always encouraged him to find his path and he told me joining the military was not how he envisioned his future, though the lessons he learned from his family played an integral role during his time in the NFL.

“Never haha. My parents didn’t want me to either. They wanted me to create my own path, but many qualities of life I learned from their military lessons. Things like discipline, focus, working efficiently, and respect. The characteristics that define the military. Many of those aspects are used in the NFL today, they prepared me even before I put on a helmet.”

Football

Nolan began his ascension to the NFL when someone noticed his potential in the sport while playing flag football. 

His high school football coach, Ron Riddle, asked Nolan to come out and play for the team and stated he had the talent to get a scholarship. That conversation turned out to be a life-altering. 

“Coach Riddle saw something in me and took a bet on me and that belief helped me understand I can bet on myself as long as I make sure I am prepared to work at the challenge.”

And the bet was not figuratively. Coach Riddle was gambling on Nolan, the football player, and his upside for the team, and he had made a literal bet with Nolan’s mother. 

If Nolan scored a touchdown, he would be able to continue playing football. 

“That first touchdown was one to solidify my mom allowing me to continue to play football.”

It led to a college scholarship at the University of Maryland and a career in the NFL. 

NFL and Eagles

Nolan was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2010. His last 2 seasons in Miami showed a glimpse into the value he could bring to an NFL team. He finished the 2013 season with 47 tackles, 11 pass defenses, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions. He entered free agency and was signed by the Eagles in 2014. His first job was to prove himself to his new coach, Chip Kelly.

“He didn’t like me in the beginning. I had to work my butt off to earn his respect and I got to know him better and his mindset on why he does what he does. I still respect him, he helped me get to where I am today.”

2014 with the Eagles was about showing that he belonged and proving his value to the team, and 2015 was when he showcased the fruits of his labor on the field. 

Carroll was quickly off to the best season of his career. He played at a Pro Bowl level and earned his right as a starter on the Eagles’ defense. In October, on a Monday Night Prime-Time showdown versus the Giants, he limited Odell Beckham Jr all evening and scored a touchdown off an interception from Eli Manning. His NFL future seemed bright as the Eagles went to Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. 

Carroll was starting his 11th consecutive game, playing well and fighting for a new contract and a long-term role with the Eagles. Then he felt an all too familiar feeling in his lower leg after making a play. He had broken his lower leg for the third time playing football. Once at every level—high school, college, and now in the NFL.

“It was tough, especially the way I knew I was playing. I was playing at a high level and was becoming more of a leader. It wasn’t about the money as much as it was about establishing myself on the team.”

By season end, the Eagles fired Chip Kelly and when Nolan returned in 2016 he had to prove himself to a new Eagles head coach. Doug Pederson. 

Nolan embraced the challenge and proved himself, as always. He returned strong and played all 16 games. He was recognized by both coaches and teammates with the Ed Block Courage Award. 

“To receive that meant a lot to me because you play the game for respect and to be recognized for it by them was special to me.”

Nolan hoped to extend his career in Philadelphia but unfortunately, 2016 would be his last with the Eagles. 

Jacksonville Athletic Christian College

Nolan stated that his brother, Necho, proposed creating an academy to allow kids an opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers. Nolan did not desire to coach. He stated he wanted to be the guy behind the scenes, like a GM. But when the head coach they hired left the program, he took it as a sign that he was meant to do this. He drew from his experiences of working with Hall of Fame coaches in the NFL. And despite not initially wanting to be on the field, he quickly found the job rewarding. 

“Turns out it is more enjoyable to be able to do both. Build a sports program and coach. I believe they go hand in hand.”

The fruits of their labor have produced great results.

“Over the last 3 years, we have gotten 11 of our athletes into DI and DII schools and we plan to double that for the 2024 season.”

As busy as he is with college, Nolan still finds time to chase the entrepreneurial spirit stirred in him by his parents. 

Nolan Carroll Foundation

Nolan’s Foundation promotes math, science, job-skill training, and physical activities for underprivileged youths. Once again, his desire to help others in the community and learn how to solve problems so they can become independent and self-motivated is the core intention. 

“We have different modules we supply to elementary schools to allow teachers who don’t have the financial means to provide lessons to get these kids to actively solve problems through fun lessons.”

Always giving back and living a life to help and serve others achieve their dreams has been a hallmark of his entire career. It is also why he is remembered so fondly in Philadelphia, years after his playing career.