Who Is Cris Carter and What Is His NFL Number?
Cris Carter is a former NFL wide receiver best known for his long career with the Minnesota Vikings and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He wore number 87 throughout most of his career, and the Cris Carter number is widely referenced by fans and analysts when discussing elite receivers of his era. His combination of height, hands, and route-running made him a consistent target for quarterbacks across two decades in the league.
Before joining the Vikings, Carter played college football at Ohio State University and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft. He later moved to Minnesota, where he spent the majority of his career and set numerous franchise and league records. His final NFL stop was with the Miami Dolphins in 2002, closing out a career that helped define the modern wide receiver position.
Cris Carter Number and Career Statistics
The Cris Carter number is most commonly associated with his iconic jersey number 87 and the statistical legacy he built while wearing it. Over his career, Carter recorded 1,101 receptions, 13,899 receiving yards, and 130 touchdowns, placing him among the all-time leaders in multiple receiving categories. His consistency over 16 NFL seasons made him a reliable offensive weapon for the Eagles, Vikings, and Dolphins.
His peak years came during the 1990s, when he led the league in receptions multiple times and earned eight Pro Bowl selections. Carter's ability to maintain high production deep into his career is a key reason why analysts still reference the Cris Carter number when comparing receivers across different eras. His records with the Vikings remain among the most celebrated in franchise history.
Legacy and Hall of Fame Recognition
Cris Carter was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing his status as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. His Hall of Fame plaque highlights his durability, route precision, and clutch performances in big games, and the Cris Carter number continues to symbolize excellence for fans and aspiring players. The selection committee emphasized his sustained excellence over a long career rather than any single dominant season.
Beyond his playing career, Carter has remained active in sports media and community outreach, often appearing on NFL-related broadcasts and mentoring young athletes. His influence on the wide receiver position is frequently discussed in articles and documentaries, with many citing the Cris Carter number as a benchmark for production and professionalism. Official NFL and Hall of Fame sources provide detailed breakdowns of his career milestones and contributions to the game.
Cris Carter Hall of Fame profile and Pro Football Hall of Fame official page offer additional career details and historical context.