From ‘Seat Belt’ to Star: Caelen Carson Ready to Buckle Up as Cowboys’ Newest Starting Cornerback
Caelen Carson is about to face one of the biggest challenges of his football career. The Dallas Cowboys have called upon the rookie, who was a fifth-round draft pick, to step up as a starting cornerback in place of DaRon Bland, who is sidelined due to a foot injury. Carson will be thrown right into the thick of things as he takes on the Cleveland Browns, with the responsibility of helping to contain the likes of Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper.
Despite the high stakes, Carson remains unfazed. While others might see this as a daunting task, the former Wake Forest standout is maintaining his composure. “They bleed like we bleed,” he remarked during his first training camp with the Cowboys in Oxnard, California. To Carson, it’s all just football—a game he’s been playing since he was five years old.
“I’m more than prepared,” said the 22-year-old, exuding a calm confidence beyond his years. “I wouldn’t say that I expected it, but I’m ready. … If you make it bigger than what it is, then it’s gonna be a big moment for you. It’s gonna be [like] any other game.”
Carson’s confidence isn’t just talk; it’s backed by his impressive performance during training camp and preseason. Plus, he’s been in similar situations before, like when he was unexpectedly named a starter as a freshman at Wake Forest. His outstanding play during that season earned him the nickname “Seat Belt,” a moniker that has already made its way onto his Cowboys uniform.
Recently, Carson made headlines by requesting a change to his jersey number from 41 to 21 ahead of the 2024 season. He clarified that the switch wasn’t an homage to Hall of Famer Deion Sanders but simply a better fit for him. “41 was a little heavy on me. [I feel] a little lighter now,” he explained.
With his new number and a starting spot opposite All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs, Carson isn’t letting the pressure get to him. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t excited about the opportunity. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” he said. “You wait for this moment as a child, and it just happens to be my first game. I greatly appreciate it and I’m blessed to be in this position.”
As Carson gears up for his debut, it’s clear he’s ready to buckle up and take on whatever challenges come his way.
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