AUBURN, Ala. – With all the football and academic success he's achieved on the Plains, Anders Carlson could have entered the 2021 NFL Draft and joined his older brother in the pros.
"I gave it a little bit of thought after the bowl game," said Carlson, who graduated summa cum laude in professional flight on Dec. 12, 2020, the same day he kicked a field goal in Auburn's 24-10 win at Mississippi State.
With NFL revenues reduced by attendance restrictions, Carlson concluded that waiting until 2022 made the most economic sense. Additionally, he asked himself, why be in a hurry to depart a place he thoroughly enjoys?
"Looked at the landscape," Carlson said. "I think the pandemic is a big effect to the NFL right now.
"In my personal decision, it was pretty easy. I love Auburn. I had to come back for my fourth year of playing for sure. I wanted to prove myself one more year."
Nov 21, 2020; Auburn AL, USA; Anders Carlson (26) during the game between Auburn and Tennesee at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics
Anders' decision to return assures Auburn of an eight-season run of Carlson placekicking excellence. From 2014-17, Daniel Carlson became the SEC's all-time scoring leader with 480 points, giving his younger brother a challenging target for which to aim, something Anders attempted literally during Auburn's open practice at Jordan-Hare Stadium on March 20.
"I told my long snapper to put the ball 18 yards, right hash," said Anders, describing a moment Auburn fans shared widely on social media. "I kicked one and when I looked up at my target as I was finishing, I saw Daniel up there and it was about two yards short.
"It wasn't a perfect ball either, so I said, 'Let's get one more, same spot,' and that's the one I hit to him. I think I commented on Instagram that I was testing his hands, because we know I'm the better athlete so we had to see what he had that day."
Daniel, however, holds the ultimate ace, a touchdown run on a perfectly executed fake field goal vs. Arkansas State in 2016.
"[Holder Tyler] Stovall set him up pretty well, though," said Anders, conceding nothing while pointing out his own versatility vis-à-vis a 3-yard reception in the 2018 Iron Bowl. "It wasn't really him. He just caught it and ran. I've caught a pass in my career." Daniel Carlson (38) runs for a touchdown. Auburn football vs Arkansas State on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 in Auburn, Ala.
Sibling rivalry aside, the Brothers Carlson benefit from their bond, whether they're spending time away from football or practicing together before Daniel returns for his fourth NFL season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
"It's that awesome brother connection we've got," Anders said. "After the bowl game and after his season, it was really just hanging out and growing together again, getting close. Playing some tennis every once in a while."
Iron sharpens iron and Carlson sharpens Carlson. In 2020, the kicking buddies and practice partners combined to convert a staggering 92.9 percent of their field goal attempts, with Anders hitting 20 of 22 for Auburn and Daniel drilling 33 of 35 for the Raiders.
"Talking through some mindset things," Anders said. "Passing along books to read. It's like a built-in best friend who you can always go to for advice, for kicking. It's been helpful a lot. We get competitive when we're kicking but it's all in good fun. I think it really helps push us to the limits."
Anders earned All-America honors last season. His 90.9 field goal percentage bested Daniel's top season at Auburn, a valuable evidentiary example in their ongoing battle for bragging rights.
"I was proud of the season I had last year," Anders said. "I had some goals and I was right there where I wanted to be. One or two kicks the other way and I think I could have been the top guy in the nation.
"For me, it's not really about last year. I'm going to carry the positives and confidence into this year and really seek after that goal again. I've got to prove myself again."Game-winner: Anders Carlson celebrates his field goal in Auburn's 30-28 victory vs. Arkansas in 2020
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer