Sep 22 2025
2025 IAAO Annual Conference – Keynote Speaker Jon Dorenbos – Orlando, FL
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Carson Palmer is a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and three-time Pro Bowler who redefined leadership, resilience, and longevity over 15 seasons in the NFL.
Carson Palmer’s career was a masterclass in persistence, precision, and poise. A three-time Pro Bowler and former #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Palmer’s career spans one of the most compelling arcs in modern football—from highly touted high school standout to Hall of Fame college athlete, to one of the NFL’s most respected quarterbacks. Today, Carson brings audiences behind the curtain of a 15-year career in pro football—sharing the leadership lessons, hard-earned comebacks, and values that defined his journey. He is well-known for his fireside chats and keynote speaking. Carson Palmer is available to be booked for corporate and private events. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to inquire about Carson Palmer’s fees.
Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at (215) 995-0905 to book Carson Palmer for corporate or private events, keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances. Our agency will work directly with your organization and our keynote speakers to create an unforgettable event.
The Mollie Plotkin Group is the leading keynote speakers agency and entertainment bureau bringing excitement to audiences, clients, and employees. We represent subject-matter experts in every possible field. So whether we’re your partner in creating a memorable meeting or your meeting planner’s secret weapon in securing the perfect keynote speaker, we’re in this with you.
Born in Fresno, California, Carson Palmer was already turning heads by the time he reached high school. Known for his size, arm strength, and poise, he shattered 27 school records and led Santa Margarita Catholic High School to back-to-back CIF championships, establishing himself as one of the most heavily recruited quarterbacks in the country. Ultimately, he decided to attend college at the University of Southern California.
At USC, Palmer endured adversity early, including a broken collarbone and multiple coaching changes. But he emerged stronger, leading the Trojans to an 11-win season in 2002, a share of the Pac-10 title, and a dominant Orange Bowl win. That same year, he became the first USC quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy. He finished his college career as the Pac-10’s all-time leader in completions, attempts, and passing yards—a legacy later recognized by his 2021 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Drafted first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003, Palmer revitalized a struggling franchise. By 2005, he had led the Bengals to their first winning season and playoff appearance in 15 years, earning both Pro Bowl honors and AFC Player of the Year. His powerful arm, elite accuracy, and mental toughness made him one of the most respected quarterbacks in the league.
However, during that year’s playoffs, Palmer tore his ACL and MCL, damaged his knee cartilage and meniscus, and displaced his kneecap. Over the offseason, he underwent reconstructive knee surgery, with his surgeon calling the injury “devastating and potentially career-ending.” Despite this, Carson returned to the field and started in all 16 of the Bengals’ regular-season games. Not only did he play, he passed the 4,000-yard mark for the first time in his career, finishing the season with a then franchise record 4,035 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He also made the Pro Bowl for the second year in a row, becoming the first Bengals quarterback to do so since Boomer Esiason. Palmer played four more seasons for the Bengals, throwing for a franchise record six touchdowns in a game and becoming the NFL’s 5th fastest player to throw 100 touchdowns.
After a highly publicized departure from Cincinnati, in which the Bengals initially refused to trade him, Palmer went on to play for the Oakland Raiders for two seasons. In 2012, he threw for 4,000 yards and 22 touchdowns before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals ahead of the 2013 season.
With the Cardinals, Carson experienced a career resurgence under coach Bruce Arians. He immediately threw for 4274 yards, and became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 4,000 yards passing with three different teams. Then in 2014, two days after signing a three-year extension with the Cardinals, Palmer re-tore his ACL. Again, he returned to the field better than ever.
In 2015, Palmer delivered a franchise and career-best season, throwing for 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns (both franchise records that stand today), securing a first-round playoff bye, and earning second-team All-Pro honors and his third Pro Bowl nomination. After the season, his fellow players ranked him 12th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.
He retired in 2018, ranked 12th all-time in both passing yards and touchdowns. He remains the only quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards with three different NFL franchises. In 2019, the Arizona Cardinals inducted Carson into their Ring of Honor as its 18th member.
Through the Carson Palmer Foundation, Carson has supported at-risk youth and community initiatives across the country. He’s worked with the Boys and Girls Club, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. In 2020, he and his wife, Shaelyn, pledged $300,000 to Compassion International’s “Fill the Stadium” campaign, helping provide critical resources to children and families during the pandemic.
Carson Palmer’s career was marked not only by statistical excellence but also by his ability to overcome setbacks—including two major injuries, a trade standoff, and the ever-present scrutiny that comes with being a top draft pick. Through it all, Palmer led with integrity, humility, and a quiet competitiveness that teammates and coaches admired.
His insights into leadership, performance under pressure, and career longevity resonate far beyond the football field. Whether speaking to corporate teams or student-athletes, Palmer draws on decades of high-level experience to share what it takes to build culture, make high-stakes decisions, and rebound from failure.
Find out how to hire Carson Palmer to appear at your next event. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group to inquire about Carson Palmer’s availability and cost. When booking Carson Palmer for an event, we need to know the type of venue and location the event will take place. Carson Palmer is a popular choice for corporate events, private events, and virtual events. So, you can click the Check Availability button or contact us and an MPG Carson Palmer booking agent will get back to you within 48 hours.
How much to book Carson Palmer depends on the type of event. So, the cost to hire Carson Palmer for corporate or private events is available by contacting a Mollie Plotkin Group Agent. Notably, Carson Palmer is available for conferences, festivals, private parties, and events. Just contact the Mollie Plotkin Group and tell the booking agent the proposed date, time, and location.
Our speakers are in high demand! View their upcoming events.
Carson Palmer’s speaking style is a natural fit for fireside chats—engaging, authentic, and grounded in real experience. He brings a thoughtful, candid perspective to conversations, making him a compelling guest for leadership summits, corporate retreats, and private events.
Disclaimer: The Mollie Plotkin Group is not responsible for errors, omissions, or outdated information on this website. The material presented on this site is provided by the speakers who are accountable for any copyright information, including licensing fees, if required. The Mollie Plotkin Group has permission to post the biographies, topics, photos, and videos with the understanding from the speakers that the information presented is legally owned by them. DMCA-1061737
Cookie Consent
We use cookies to improve your experience.
At MPG, we value connection—and that includes how we connect online. Cookies help us personalize your experience, improve performance, and bring you content that actually matters. Click “Accept All” to continue or view our Cookie Policy to manage settings.
