Abdul Carter releases statement on playing future, Penn State football career

Abdul Carter has officially spoken out about his next steps and his time with Penn State football.

As reported on Friday morning, the star edge rusher is foregoing his final season in Happy Valley and declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

“To Coach Franklin and the entire coaching staff – thank you for making playing football at Penn State the best decision of my life,” Carter said in a statement. “Being from North Philly and LaSalle High School, playing here has always been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I will always be grateful for your commitment and dedication to helping me develop into the best version I can be on and off the field. Being able to carry on the legendary tradition of #11 will always be one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had.”

♾️ pic.twitter.com/wF94nNF8c6

— Abdul Carter (@1NCRDB1) January 11, 2025

“Moving forward, I am humbled and excited to announce that I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft,” he continued. “I look forward to competing against the best at the highest level and will give it my all to make the Penn State family proud.”

Carter finishes his college career fourth all-time in Penn State football history with 23 sacks. He racked up 172 tackles and 39.5 tackles for loss during his three seasons with the Nittany Lions.

After suffering a shoulder injury during the Fiesta Bowl on December 31, Carter returned with five tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hurry.

“I just think it’s a testament to his toughness,” Tom Allen said after the game. “So much, he cares about this team. I know it was hurting, but he rehabbed the whole week. Just did jog throughs and walk throughs, and that’s all he’s able to do.

“But he’s a warrior, and I knew he wanted to play, but you just never know until you get into it. But now it’s just a testament to who he is and his toughness.”

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