Michael Carter’s Family: Girlfriend, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Mariah Miranda

Michael Carter is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 7, 1999, in Okinawa, Japan, Carter grew up in Navarre, Florida, where he developed his passion for football in a family with a strong athletic background.

His parents are Tony Carter and Suzette Ellington, and he has two brothers, Dwayne Carter and Joshua Carter. Football has been an important part of the family’s history, with his father and both brothers having played the sport at the college level.

Although Carter has spoken publicly about his family’s influence on his career, he keeps his romantic relationships and other personal matters relatively private. Here is what is publicly known about Michael Carter’s girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.

Michael Carter’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?

Michael Carter has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend through official NFL interviews or other reliable sources.

In November 2023, sports publication FirstSportz reported that the running back had previously been romantically linked to a woman named Tiana Gordon.

However, the report did not establish the nature or duration of the alleged relationship through a direct statement from Carter or another independently verifiable source.

The publication also described Carter as single at the time, but that information does not establish his relationship status today.

Since then, Carter has generally kept his romantic life away from public attention, focusing his interviews and social media presence primarily on football and professional activities.

Consequently, there is insufficient verified information to identify a current girlfriend.

Is Michael Carter Married?

There is no reliable public announcement confirming that Michael Carter, the Tennessee Titans running back, is married.

His official Tennessee Titans biography does not identify a wife, and no verified wedding announcement has been established through the sources reviewed for this profile.

It is important not to confuse him with Michael Carter II, the NFL defensive back who is married to Alli Carter.

Although both athletes entered the NFL in 2021 and previously played for the New York Jets, they are different individuals and are not known to be related.

Does Michael Carter Have Children?

There are no verified public reports confirming that Michael Carter has any children.

His official NFL and University of North Carolina biographies do not identify a son or daughter, and he has not made a widely documented public announcement about becoming a father.

While Carter has discussed the importance of family relationships, he generally avoids sharing extensive details about his private life.

Without a reliable public confirmation, it would be inaccurate to claim that he has children or to assign names to any supposed sons or daughters.

Michael Carter’s Parents

Michael Carter was born to Tony Carter and Suzette Ellington. Their names are confirmed in the official football biographies published by the University of North Carolina and the Tennessee Titans.

The family spent time in Japan during Michael’s early childhood before settling in Navarre, Florida.

His father had a background in professional football, while his mother was part of the family support system that accompanied him throughout his development as a young athlete.

Michael Carter’s Father: Tony Carter

Tony Carter is Michael Carter’s father and one of the most significant influences on his football career.

He played college football as a running back at South Carolina State University before continuing his athletic career overseas.

According to the Tennessee Titans’ official biography, Tony played professional football in Japan’s X-League, which explains why Michael was born in Okinawa.

After the family returned to the United States and settled in Florida, Tony remained involved in football and helped his children develop their athletic abilities.

He eventually pursued a career in football coaching.

By 2024, Tony was serving as the head football coach at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola, Florida, according to local reporting.

Michael has frequently credited his father with helping him develop the physical and mental qualities needed to succeed as a running back.

In a 2022 interview with the New York Jets, Carter recalled that his father regularly reminded him before games to avoid being tackled by the first defender.

The lesson became an important part of his playing style, encouraging him to maintain his balance, absorb contact, and fight for additional yards.

Growing up with a father who understood the demands of competitive football gave Carter an early introduction to the discipline required to succeed in the sport.

Michael Carter’s Mother: Suzette Ellington

Suzette Ellington is Michael Carter’s mother.

Her name appears in the official University of North Carolina and Tennessee Titans player biographies, confirming her relationship with the NFL running back.

Suzette raised her children in a family with strong sporting traditions, including multiple sons who eventually competed in college football.

During Michael’s early childhood, the family lived in Japan before relocating to the Florida Panhandle, where he attended school and developed into a talented athlete.

Although Suzette has generally maintained a more private public profile than her son, she is part of the family background Carter has acknowledged as essential to his success.

In a 2021 statement following his selection in the NFL Draft, Carter expressed gratitude for the assistance his family had provided throughout his football journey.

Reliable public sources provide limited additional information about Suzette’s profession, education, and personal activities.

Michael Carter’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?

Michael Carter has two publicly documented brothers: Dwayne Carter and Joshua Carter.

Both brothers played college football, continuing the family’s tradition of participating in competitive athletics.

Michael is the middle brother, with Dwayne being the oldest and Joshua the youngest.

Published profiles identify the three brothers as members of a football-oriented family, although there is no comparably reliable public information establishing that Michael has any sisters.

Dwayne Carter – Michael Carter’s Older Brother

Dwayne Carter is Michael Carter’s oldest brother and a former college football running back.

He attended Navarre High School in Florida, where he established himself as an accomplished athlete before continuing his football career at Independence Community College in Kansas.

Dwayne subsequently transferred to Harding University in Arkansas, where he played running back and fullback for the Harding Bisons.

According to Harding University’s official football records, Dwayne appeared in 10 games during the 2015 season, recording 352 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 45 attempts.

One of his best performances came against East Central University, when he rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

His success at the high school and college levels provided an example for his younger brothers, Michael and Joshua, who also pursued competitive football.

Beyond athletics, Dwayne studied management at Harding University and developed an interest in entrepreneurship.

In 2017, Harding University’s Waldron Center published a feature about an athletic apparel business he had created with his brothers.

The company, CART3R LLC, was established around the family’s shared passion for sports and their desire to build a business together.

Dwayne explained that he wanted to create something meaningful with his brothers, and the business provided a way to combine their athletic experiences with entrepreneurship.

Although details about Dwayne’s later professional activities are limited, his football career and business initiative reflect the close relationship among the Carter brothers.

Joshua Carter – Michael Carter’s Younger Brother

Joshua Anthony Carter is Michael Carter’s younger brother and another former college football player.

He was born on November 7, 2000, in Okinawa, Japan, and grew up in Navarre, Florida.

Like Michael, Joshua attended Navarre High School, where he participated in football, track and field, and weightlifting.

Unlike his older brothers, Joshua initially became known for his defensive abilities, particularly as a linebacker.

During his high school career, he recorded 341 tackles, including 42 tackles for loss and 21 sacks.

He also achieved success in weightlifting, winning state championships in the 219-pound division during his final two years of high school.

Joshua continued his education and football career at the University of South Alabama.

After beginning his college career as a defensive player, he transitioned to running back following an injury and discussions with his coaches.

He later transferred to Eastern Kentucky University, where he became a productive member of the Colonels’ offense.

During the 2023 season, Joshua rushed for 714 yards and four touchdowns, adding 147 receiving yards.

His official Eastern Kentucky biography also confirms that he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sport management in 2023 and subsequently pursued an MBA.

In an October 2024 interview with Eastern Kentucky Athletics, Joshua discussed the influence of his family’s football background.

He explained that transitioning to running back felt familiar because his father and both older brothers had experience playing the position.

Joshua’s journey demonstrates how football remained an important connection among the Carter brothers.

The Carter Brothers’ Family Business

In addition to their football achievements, Michael Carter and his brothers have been involved in business activities together.

In 2017, Dwayne Carter launched CART3R LLC, a sports apparel and e-commerce company, alongside Michael and Joshua.

The business was based in Navarre, Florida, and focused on athletic clothing and related products.

According to Harding University’s Waldron Center, the brothers wanted to create a brand reflecting their shared passion for sports.

Dwayne took the leading role in developing the project while Michael and Joshua continued their athletic careers.

The venture demonstrated the family’s entrepreneurial interests and their desire to work together outside football.

Although reliable recent information about the company’s operations is limited, its creation remains a documented example of the brothers’ collaboration.

Michael Carter’s Childhood and Family Background

Michael Carter was born in Okinawa, Japan, while his father, Tony Carter, was playing professional football overseas.

The family subsequently moved to Navarre, Florida, where Michael spent much of his childhood.

Growing up in a household where football was a major part of daily life helped shape his athletic development.

His father had played professionally, his older brother Dwayne pursued college football, and his younger brother Joshua eventually followed a similar path.

Michael began playing organized youth football at approximately five years old.

As he grew older, he developed into one of the most talented running backs in the Florida Panhandle.

At Navarre High School, he became known for his speed, balance, agility, and ability to gain yards after contact.

His high school career included overcoming a significant knee injury that prematurely ended his junior season.

Despite that setback, Carter returned to produce an outstanding senior campaign.

He rushed for 2,536 yards and scored 45 touchdowns, finishing with 3,345 all-purpose yards.

His performances earned him recognition as USA Today’s Florida Offensive Player of the Year and Florida’s Class 6A Mr. Football.

These achievements attracted college football programs and ultimately led him to the University of North Carolina.

How Michael Carter’s Family Influenced His Football Career

Michael Carter’s family played a significant role in preparing him for the challenges of college and professional football.

His father’s background as a running back helped him understand the technical aspects of the position from an early age.

Playing and training alongside his brothers created a competitive environment that encouraged improvement.

In a 2021 interview reported by the Associated Press, Carter explained that his family emphasized the importance of making defenders miss and gaining additional yards after contact.

He developed the mindset that a running back should not easily be brought down by the first defender.

That philosophy became an important part of his playing style at North Carolina.

During four seasons with the Tar Heels from 2017 to 2020, Carter accumulated 3,404 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns.

He also contributed as a receiver, recording 82 receptions for 656 yards and six touchdowns.

As a senior in 2020, he rushed for 1,245 yards and earned first-team All-ACC honors.

The New York Jets selected Carter in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 107th overall pick.

Following his selection, Carter thanked his family for supporting him through the challenges of becoming a professional athlete.

He subsequently played for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals before joining the Tennessee Titans in April 2026.

Michael Carter’s Relationship With His Family

Michael Carter has repeatedly emphasized the importance of family support in his football career.

During a May 2022 interview with the New York Jets, he credited his close family environment with helping establish the foundation for his success.

He acknowledged that many people had contributed to his development, including family members, coaches, and mentors.

Carter also explained that he sometimes prefers communicating with family and friends through voice messages rather than lengthy telephone conversations.

Although he enjoys spending time alone, he emphasized that maintaining connections with positive and supportive people remains important to him.

His relationship with his father has been especially influential, with lessons from childhood continuing to shape his approach to professional football.

His brothers’ athletic experiences have also created a shared connection that extends beyond their individual careers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Carter’s Family

Who is Michael Carter’s girlfriend?

Michael Carter has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend. He was previously linked to Tiana Gordon in a 2023 sports report, but the relationship was not independently verified.

Is Michael Carter married?

There is no verified public announcement confirming that Michael Carter, the Tennessee Titans running back, is married.

Does Michael Carter have children?

There are no reliable public reports confirming that Michael Carter has a son or daughter.

Who are Michael Carter’s parents?

Michael Carter’s parents are Tony Carter and Suzette Ellington. His father played college football at South Carolina State before playing professionally in Japan.

How many siblings does Michael Carter have?

Michael Carter has two publicly documented brothers, Dwayne Carter and Joshua Carter.

Who is Michael Carter’s older brother?

Michael Carter’s older brother is Dwayne Carter, a former college running back who played at Independence Community College and Harding University.

Who is Michael Carter’s younger brother?

His younger brother is Joshua Carter, who played college football at South Alabama and Eastern Kentucky University.

Where was Michael Carter born?

Michael Carter was born in Okinawa, Japan, on May 7, 1999, while his father was playing professional football overseas.

What does Michael Carter’s father do?

Tony Carter is a former football player who competed at South Carolina State University and in Japan’s X-League. He later pursued football coaching, including serving as head coach at Pine Forest High School in Florida.

Is Michael Carter related to Michael Carter II?

No publicly established family relationship exists between the two NFL players. Michael Carter is a running back who attended North Carolina, while Michael Carter II is a defensive back who attended Duke University.