Carter O’Donnell

Carter O’Donnell Bio

Carter O’Donnell is a Canadian professional football offensive tackle who has competed at the highest levels of both the Canadian Football League and the National Football League. Born in Calgary, Alberta, on December 23, 1998, O’Donnell has built a career spanning multiple organizations since beginning his professional journey in 2020. He currently plays for the Edmonton Elks of the CFL after previously suiting up for the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 315 pounds, O’Donnell brings significant size and experience to the offensive line position. His path from a small-town Alberta athlete to professional football player demonstrates his dedication to the sport and his ability to compete against top-tier talent from the United States college system.

Early Life and Background

Carter O’Donnell grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. He attended Lindsay Thurber High School in Red Deer, Alberta, where he began establishing himself as a promising offensive line prospect. His early exposure to Canadian football provided him with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the sport, setting the stage for his future collegiate career. During his high school years, O’Donnell honed his skills as a lineman, preparing himself for the opportunity to play at the university level.

After completing high school, O’Donnell remained in Alberta to pursue higher education and continue his football development. He chose to attend the University of Alberta, where he would play for the Alberta Golden Bears from 2016 to 2019. This decision allowed him to compete in U Sports football while receiving a quality education close to home. His time at Alberta would prove instrumental in shaping him into the professional athlete he would become.

Path to American Football

During his four seasons with the Alberta Golden Bears from 2016 to 2019, O’Donnell developed into one of the top offensive line prospects in Canadian university football. His performance on the field caught the attention of scouts from both the CFL and NFL, as he consistently demonstrated the skills necessary to compete at the professional level. In his final season with the Golden Bears, O’Donnell was recognized as one of the premier talents in the country, earning an invitation to the prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl in 2020. This all-star game features the top college football players from across the United States and Canada, and being selected placed O’Donnell among elite company.

O’Donnell’s dominance at the U Sports level was further validated when he was ranked as the third best player in the Canadian Football League’s Amateur Scouting Bureau final rankings for players eligible in the 2020 CFL draft. Among U Sports players specifically, he was rated as the top prospect heading into the draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical skills made him an attractive option for NFL teams as well, despite going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. The recognition he received from both CFL and NFL scouts underscored his status as one of Canada’s top offensive line talents.

Carter O’Donnell Career

Indianapolis Colts (2020–2023)

Following the 2020 NFL Draft, Carter O’Donnell signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts on April 29, 2020. This opportunity allowed him to continue his football career in the United States despite not hearing his name called during the draft. He reported to the Colts organization eager to prove himself among the competition. However, his initial tenure with the team was brief, as he was waived on September 5, 2020, just months after signing. The Colts immediately recognized his potential by signing him to their practice squad the following day, allowing him to remain with the organization and continue developing his skills.

O’Donnell spent the 2021 season with the Colts, appearing in games while continuing to refine his craft on the practice squad. On January 10, 2021, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Colts, securing his spot with the organization for the following season. The 2021 campaign saw him bounce between the active roster and practice squad before he was waived again on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad. He earned another reserve/futures contract on January 10, 2022, demonstrating the Colts’ continued interest in his long-term development. The 2022 season began with promise, but O’Donnell was placed on injured reserve on August 2, 2022, halting his progress for the year.

In March 2023, the Colts showed their confidence in O’Donnell by signing him to a contract extension. This new agreement indicated the organization believed he had a future with the team as a contributing member of the offensive line. However, his time in Indianapolis came to an end when he was waived on August 30, 2023. Throughout his four seasons with the Colts organization, O’Donnell appeared in multiple games while steadily developing his skills at the professional level. His tenure provided him with valuable experience in the NFL system and the opportunity to work with various coaches and teammates.

Arizona Cardinals (2023–2024)

On August 31, 2023, just one day after being waived by the Colts, O’Donnell was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. This quick transition to a new organization demonstrated that other NFL teams recognized his abilities and wanted him on their roster. Joining the Cardinals mid-season, O’Donnell had the opportunity to compete for playing time on their offensive line. He appeared in five games during the 2023 season, starting three of them, which represented the most significant playing time of his NFL career to that point.

The 2023 season with Arizona allowed O’Donnell to showcase the skills he had developed during his time with the Colts organization. Starting three games provided him with valuable experience as a full-time contributor at the offensive tackle position. His performance during this stretch demonstrated his ability to handle the responsibilities of an NFL offensive lineman. However, his tenure with the Cardinals came to an end on July 23, 2024, when he was waived/injured. Despite the injury designation, O’Donnell continued his recovery and eventual return to professional football.

Edmonton Elks Era (2025–Present)

After recovering from his injury and spending time away from professional football, Carter O’Donnell returned to his home country to join the Edmonton Elks of the CFL. The Elks announced on September 2, 2025, that they had signed O’Donnell to a contract. This move marked a homecoming for the Calgary-born offensive tackle, allowing him to compete in the Canadian Football League where he was originally drafted. Playing for Edmonton gives O’Donnell the opportunity to showcase his talents in front of Canadian football fans while contributing to a franchise with deep roots in the sport.

The move to the CFL represents a new chapter in O’Donnell’s career, providing him with the chance to be a more prominent part of an offensive line rotation. His NFL experience, including 5 games played and 3 starts, gives him an edge over many CFL competitors. The Edmonton Elks organization is counting on O’Donnell to bring leadership and professionalism to their offensive line while helping the team compete for playoff positioning. His contract through the present indicates the team’s long-term interest in his development and contribution to the franchise.

Playing Style and Strengths

Carter O’Donnell possesses the prototypical size for an NFL and CFL offensive tackle at 6 feet 5 inches and 315 pounds. His frame allows him to effectively protect quarterbacks against both speed rushers and power players. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated solid footwork and the ability to mirror defenders in pass protection. His experience in multiple professional organizations has given him versatility in adapting to different offensive schemes and coaching philosophies. O’Donnell’s time at Alberta and in the NFL has prepared him well for the physical demands of professional football.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among O’Donnell’s career highlights was being one of only two U Sports football players invited to the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl, a prestigious all-star game featuring top collegiate talent. He was also the third-ranked prospect in the CFL Amateur Scouting Bureau’s final rankings for the 2020 draft and the top-ranked U Sports player. His selection by the Montreal Alouettes in the third round, 22nd overall, in the 2020 CFL Draft demonstrated his status as one of Canada’s elite football prospects. In the NFL, his most productive stretch came with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 when he started three games.

Carter O’Donnell Career Statistics

Throughout his professional career, Carter O’Donnell has accumulated experience in both the NFL and CFL, appearing in games at the highest levels of North American football. His NFL career spans three organizations over five seasons, providing him with a breadth of experience uncommon among players at his position. The following statistics reflect his contributions at the professional level.

NFL Career Summary

In the National Football League, O’Donnell appeared in 5 games total, with 3 starts coming during his time with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. His most significant role came mid-season with Arizona, where he was a regular contributor on the offensive line. Before his NFL tenure, he was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes in the third round of the 2020 CFL Draft, though he ultimately chose to pursue opportunities in the NFL first.

College and Draft Recognition

During his collegiate career at Alberta from 2016 to 2019, O’Donnell established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in U Sports football. His invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl represented a significant achievement, as only two U Sports players typically receive such recognition each year. His ranking as the third overall prospect in CFL scouting rankings and first among U Sports players validated his dominance at the Canadian university level.

Family

Personal Life

Carter O’Donnell was born on December 23, 1998, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and grew up in the surrounding area before attending high school in Red Deer, Alberta. His Canadian citizenship has been a defining aspect of his career, as he represents the relatively small pool of Canadian-born players who have competed extensively in the NFL. Following his professional football career, O’Donnell has returned to Canada to continue playing for the Edmonton Elks. Details regarding his family, relationships, or personal interests beyond football are not extensively documented in public sources.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marks Carter O’Donnell’s return to professional football following his time in the NFL. Joining the Edmonton Elks in September 2025, O’Donnell brings his accumulated experience from five NFL seasons to the CFL. His integration into the Elks’ offensive line rotation represents a significant addition for a franchise looking to improve its competitiveness. The move to Edmonton allows him to compete in his home country while continuing to develop as a professional athlete.

O’Donnell’s transition to the CFL presents both opportunities and challenges as he adapts to the league’s distinct rules and playing style. The wider field and different defensive schemes in the CFL require adjustments even for experienced NFL players. However, his draft pedigree from 2020, when the Montreal Alouettes selected him 22nd overall, indicates that CFL scouts have long believed in his abilities. The Edmonton Elks organization is hopeful that O’Donnell’s professional experience will help elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming seasons. His presence provides leadership and competition for spots on the offensive line, potentially raising the overall quality of play at the position.