Joseph Carter: Finding My Purpose

Note: Below is the main feature story about Liberty's Joseph Carter for this home football game's edition of Flames Illustrated, Liberty's home football game day program.

My journey at Liberty University has been a testament to the power of resilience and faith.

From a walk-on athlete to a scholarship recipient, my path has been marked by challenges, sacrifices, and moments of triumph.

The support of my family, the Liberty community, and my unyielding faith in God have been instrumental in shaping my journey.

This is my story of perseverance, gratitude, and finding my purpose.

A Unique Path

Choosing Liberty University, initially as a walk-on, was not the original plan.

I had other options, but COVID-19 changed everything. Offers from other schools were withdrawn, and I had to make a decision.

With guidance from my parents and a deep sense of faith, I chose to take a chance and become a walk-on student-athlete at Liberty.

This decision marked the beginning of a journey that would test my resolve and ultimately lead to personal and athletic growth.

Stepping onto the field as a walk-on, my mindset was simple: work hard and seize every opportunity.

The support from my family, friends, and the Liberty community fueled my determination. I knew that with their encouragement and my faith in God, I could overcome any obstacle.

As I joined the team and embraced the challenges ahead, I carried the lessons instilled in me by my parents and the unwavering belief that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

With each practice and game, I continued to grow and push myself to new heights, knowing that my journey at Liberty was just beginning.

Surrounded By Support

The support of my family has been the backbone of my journey.

My dad, Michael Carter Sr., taught me the importance of consistency and showing up every day. His work ethic and dedication to our family inspired me to approach each day with the same level of commitment.

Despite the challenges he faced, my dad remained steadfast in his responsibilities, teaching me the value of hard work and perseverance.

My mom, Patricia Carter, imparted invaluable spiritual guidance. She taught me to trust in God and embrace the power of faith.

Her unwavering support and belief in my abilities were pivotal during the moments of doubt and uncertainty.

Through her coaching and involvement in the community, my mom demonstrated the importance of giving back and being a positive influence in the lives of others.

Together, my parents instilled in me the values of faith, resilience, and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

Their love and guidance continue to shape my journey at Liberty and beyond.

In addition to my parents, I am grateful for the support of my brother, Michael Carter Jr.

His journey from adversity to success has been an inspiration to me. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, my brother never lost sight of his goals. He taught me the importance of gratitude and embracing the process, no matter how difficult it may be.

His journey serves as a constant reminder that with determination and faith, anything is possible.

Together, my family has been my foundation, providing unwavering support, love, and encouragement throughout my journey at Liberty.

A Leap of Faith

Embracing the walk-on role at Liberty was a leap of faith, but it also opened unique opportunities for me.

Without a scholarship, I had to embrace a different path to pay for my college education. The work study job at the Office of Inclusion and Diversity not only provided financial support but also allowed me to contribute to the campus community.

Balancing work, academics, and football proved to be demanding, but it taught me valuable lessons in time management and discipline. The relationships I formed through this job became an integral part of my growth and development.

The road to earning a scholarship was not without its challenges. Injuries tested my resilience and forced me to confront adversity head-on, including handling a coaching change during my career.

However, I remained committed to my faith and relied on the support of my family, coaches, and teammates. They reminded me of my purpose and encouraged me to keep pushing forward.

With each setback, I grew stronger and more determined to succeed.

The scholarship announcement I received before the 2023 season was a transformative moment in my journey.

The joy and gratitude I felt in that moment were immeasurable. It was a validation of the hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering faith that had brought me to that point. The support and celebration from my teammates and coaches made it even more special, reminding me of the incredible bond we shared.

The scholarship was not just a recognition of my efforts, but a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that anything is possible with faith and determination.

A New Chapter

As I reflect on my time at Liberty, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have come my way.

Being part of the football program has been an incredible journey. I am proud of the progress we have made as a team, helping Liberty Football grow during its early years at the FBS level.

The Fiesta Bowl run and the undefeated regular season in 2023 were unforgettable highlights. They showcased the strength and unity of our team, as we overcame many challenges, including the loss of one of our teammates, and came together for a common goal.

These accomplishments were a testament to the hard work and dedication of every player, coach, and staff member involved.

Liberty has not only shaped me as an athlete but also as a person. The emphasis on faith, community, and academic excellence has been instrumental in my personal growth.

The relationships I have formed with coaches, teammates, and professors have enriched my journey during my time at Liberty and provided me with a strong support system.

And although my playing time on the field came to an unplanned early end this season [due to an injury], I still look to the future. I will carry with me the lessons I have learned and the values instilled in me during my time at Liberty.

I am grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead and am excited to continue my journey with faith, determination, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Liberty University and this very special football program have prepared me for this next chapter, and I am ready to embrace whatever challenges and opportunities come my way.

Schedule

Joseph Carter: Finding My Purpose

Players Mentioned

Joseph Carter