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 shares how he started in the game, what he has been up to since he left the NFL, his memories of his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, his love for the fans, and his thoughts on Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl win.
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.”
Lessons he began putting into action in his life, and the game he was growing to love.
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 HS 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. It would prove to be a life-altering gamble.
“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. HS, College, and now in the NFL with the Eagles.
“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.”
A team he had hoped to have a future with.
“The year before I got lost in the depth chart, and I wanted to prove why I was supposed to be in Philly.”
The injury challenged his ability to accomplish that.
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 sixteen 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.”
First-time Head Coach, Doug Pederson, was also trying to earn respect and prove himself to the Eagles organization.
“Philly asked a lot from him in the first year. Young QB, young WRs, Lane Johnson suspended, new defense, guiding the ship back to what everyone is saying is the “Philly way”. He was able to do that and did a great job in his first year.”
Nolan hoped to extend his career in Philadelphia but unfortunately, 2016 would be his last with the Eagles.
“When he and I had our exit meeting I could see on his face how exhausted he was but I also knew they would do great things the next year.”
The great things Carroll knew were coming, ended up being the Philadelphia Eagles’ first Super Bowl title.
“I wanted to be a part of it, but it didn’t work out.”
And even though he was not a part of the 2017 season, he was happy for the city and team.
“I was happy to see them win it because I knew the growing pains that were endured in 2016. It was great for the city, it was bittersweet (for me) but I feel like the foundation was laid in 2016 to get to 2017.”
The bonds he had with teammates and his former Head Coach still endure.
“I have a lot of respect for (Coach Pederson), and he is doing a great job in Jacksonville as well.”
A city Nolan also has a big impact on.
Jacksonville Athletic Christian College
Nolan stated that his brother, Necho, proposed creating the academy to allow kids the opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers. The state of Florida accredits the school and the College is reaching the disadvantaged and hindered High School kids it was designed to benefit. JACC was going as planned, but Carroll felt a calling to do more.
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 Div 1 and Div 2 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.
Business
Since his NFL career ended Nolan has been involved in numerous businesses and sees a lot of parallels between both worlds.
“In a sense, we (NFL players) are our own business. It’s understanding in anything, that you are noticed by your skill set. How you execute that skill is what allows you to grow your business or brand because someone else will also want to be a part of it as well because of the solution you can help them solve”
His parents taught him that what they did was not who they were, and he put those lessons into practice when he transitioned from football to the business world.
“I saw my parents do it and it dripped down to me. My parents opened up salons shortly after they retired from the military then I saw my mother go into politics and ascend from there.”
When Nolan finished his football career he opened his own business. A 3D printing store called Doob3D.
“In 2 short years, we helped the company expand into 4 other states and open 5 new stores before Covid halted the growth. I sold my piece of the company a few months before 2020 and invested more into another company I took an interest in shortly after I retired Yolo Rum(You Only Live Once).”
Since 2017 YOLO has won 34 international awards and implemented improvements in how the company sells directly to consumers on their online platform. Nolan prides himself on being a problem solver.
“I look for solutions to problems in my business because I know someone else may also have the same hurdles I have.”
The same passion Nolan had on the football field, lending his expertise and time to help others, is valuable in business too. He believes when goodwill is passed on to one another, everyone benefits.
“If you can teach someone to avoid the mistakes you made and help them do it or show them how to do it more effectively and save time. Your business will always thrive.”
That attitude and his love for helping others led him to create another venture to give back to his community, and the youth.
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.
Eagles Fans
Some players have struggled with the fans holding them accountable. The athletes who have accepted and appreciated it are the ones who always hold a special place in the fan’s hearts. This includes Nolan.
Though he has not played for the Eagles since 2016, his wings still soar today. He represents his former team and himself in the best way possible. And he has never lost his love for the city and its fans.
“I love the fans they were the best part. They let you know when you played good, and when you were not. It’s out of love and truth. That is what makes Philly, Philly.”
Indeed it does.
As always, Thank you for reading!
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