Bobby Carpenter (American football)

Robert J. Carpenter III (born August 1, 1983 in Lancaster, Ohio) is an American football linebacker, for the New England Patriots. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State.

Carpenter has also played for the St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.

Early years
Carpenter attended Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Ohio. In addition to being a football standout, Carpenter was also a member of the swim team. During his senior year, Carpenter was selected as All-Ohio first team (football), and also went to the District Finals in swimming.

College career
In 50 games at Ohio State, Carpenter started 26 times. He registered 191 tackles (121 solos) with 14.5 sacks and 23.5 for losses. He forced two fumbles, deflected seven passes and had three interceptions.

In 2002, Carpenter played in every game as a true freshman at Ohio State in 2002 and led the team with twelve tackles (8 solos). He appeared in every game, starting three contests, at strong-side outside linebacker in 2003. He totaled 37 tackles (24 solos) with 4.5 sacks, 6.5 stops for losses and a pair of forced fumbles.

He was a full-time starter in 2004, lining up at strong-side linebacker. He finished second on the team with 93 tackles (46 solos) and registered two sacks with 6.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Carpenter also deflected three passes and intercepted three others. As a senior in 2005, Carpenter started first eleven games of the 2005 season He finished fifth on the squad with 49 tackles and second on the team with eight sacks and 10.5 stops for losses, earning second-team All-Big Ten Conference honors. In the final game he fractured his right fibula and was unable to play in the Fiesta Bowl.

Dallas Cowboys
Carpenter was the Dallas Cowboys' 1st round pick, 18th overall, in the 2006 draft. Over his four year stint he failed to establish a starting role, racking up 96 tackles during his Cowboys career. During a 2008 episode of NFL's Hard Knocks, Carpenter was continuously beaten in a pads and shorts practice by Cowboys right tackle Marc Colombo. During that episode Colombo referred to Carpenter as "Barbie Carpenter" also making fun of his shoulder length blonde hair and his lack of toughness. Carpenter in 2009 was the starting nickel linebacker.

St. Louis Rams
Carpenter was traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the St. Louis Rams for offensive tackle Alex Barron on May 10, 2010. He was cut on September 4, 2010.

Miami Dolphins
On September 6, 2010, the Miami Dolphins signed Bobby Carpenter as a free agent reuniting him with Bill Parcells who drafted him with the Dallas Cowboys. He was waived on October 18.

Detroit Lions
Carpenter was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions on October 20, 2010.

On October 2, 2011 he returned an interception for a touchdown which sparked a come-from-behind victory against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys.

New England Patriots
On April 5, 2012, Carpenter was signed as a free agent by the New England Patriots. On October 2nd, 2012 the New England Patriots resigned Carpenter for insurance of an injured Dont'a Hightower.

Personal
Carpenter is the son of former Houston Oilers, New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams running back Rob Carpenter. Bobby and his father both played for Bill Parcells. Bobby has three younger brothers: Jonathan, Georgie & Nathan.