He enrolled at the University of Michigan and played for Michigan Wolverines football team under Bo Schembechler. He redshirted as a freshman and was used principally as a blocker on special teams over the next two years.[2] In October 1983, playing at tight end, he caught two passes for 49 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown pass from Steve Smith Smith in a victory over Michigan State.[3]
He was drafted by the Michigan Panthers in the USFL's 1984 territorial draft.[4] He left school early to join the Panthers in 1984, accepting a $6,000 bonus. However, he was cut by the Panthers before the season began.[2] He signed in 1987 with the Indianapolis Colts in 1987 and appeared in one game for the team.[1] He signed with the Detroit Lions in May 1988,[5] but was waived in late August 1988.[6]
As of 2010, Carthens was employed as a social worker in Detroit.[7] He died in 2021 at age 60.[8]
