Keith Carlos Biography: Ethnicity, Parents, Instagram, Net Worth, Religion, Height, Age, Movies

Keith Kasson Carlos, professionally known as Keith Carlos, is an American former football wide receiver, fashion model, actor, and television personality who made history as the first male winner of America’s Next Top Model.

He pivoted from the gridiron—where he suited up for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants—to the runway after injury sidelined his NFL dreams, blending athletic prowess with striking looks that captivated audiences.

His Cycle 21 triumph in 2014 delivered a NEXT Model Management contract, a Nylon spread, and $100,000, launching campaigns for brands like Nike and appearances in Cardi B’s “Be Careful” video.

Carlos embodies resilience, channeling his Purdue Boilermakers grit into modeling gigs, TV spots, and a presence that challenges gender norms in fashion while staying rooted in his East Coast origins.

Profile

• Full Name: Keith Kasson Carlos
• Stage Name: Keith Carlos
• Born: 19 December, 1987
• Age: 38 years old
• Birthplace: Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Former American football wide receiver, Fashion model, Actor, Television personality
• Height: 1.88m
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Carlos
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: Keith Jr.
• Relationship: Unknown
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Keith Kasson Carlos was born on December 19, 1987, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to parents whose names are unknown but can be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Carlos. He might have had siblings but details about them are unknown.

He excelled at Central High School in Bridgeport, earning Athlete of the Year honors in football.

Carlos then played at Lackawanna College before transferring to Purdue University, where he suited up as a wide receiver and running back, majoring in organizational leadership and supervision.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Details about his ethnicity and religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Keith Carlos kicked off his path on the football field, dominating as a standout wide receiver at Bridgeport Central High School before heading to Lackawanna College for junior college ball.

Scouts spotted his 6-foot-2 frame and 4.27 speed, landing him at Purdue University in 2009, where he started games and shifted to running back amid injuries, rushing for 337 yards and two scores his sophomore year.

He inked a free-agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011, chasing NFL glory, then joined the New York Giants in 2013—only for injuries to cut his pro stint short.

Modeling sparked on the side with a Krave magazine cover and Day26’s video, planting seeds for his pivot. Fraternity brother in Kappa Alpha Psi at Purdue, Carlos built discipline that fueled his gridiron-to-glamour leap.

Carlos shattered barriers in 2014 by auditioning for America’s Next Top Model Cycle 21, the guys-and-gals edition hosted by Tyra Banks, and clinched the crown on December 6 as the show’s first male victor.

Prizes rolled in—a NEXT Model Management pact, Nylon feature, $100,000 cash—sparking runway walks, editorials in Essence, and ads for top labels. He flexed acting chops in music videos like Cardi B’s “Be Careful” as her love interest, plus TV cameos that highlighted his charisma.

Football roots lingered through motivational talks and athletic endorsements, while modeling took him global.

Growth came swift; he landed with agencies like Select Model Management, balancing high-fashion shoots with commercial gigs. This phase marked his command of spotlights from stadiums to struts.

Keith Carlos sustains momentum through modeling campaigns, brand partnerships, and media appearances that leverage his athlete-model hybrid appeal.

He stars in fitness editorials, collaborates on apparel lines, and guests on podcasts dissecting his trailblazing win.

Acting pursuits expand with indie projects and reality TV nods, drawing from his Purdue-honed leadership. Influence ripples in diversity pushes for male models, inspiring newcomers via social posts on hustle and reinvention.

Legacy ties football tenacity to fashion innovation, with syndication of ANTM clips keeping his story alive for aspirants. Ventures in personal branding, from motivational content to potential business plays, cement his multifaceted footprint.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @keithcarlos
• X Handle: @Keith_Carlos
• Facebook Handle: Keith Carlos official page

Personal Life

Keith Carlos maintains a private personal life, with no verified spouse or partner details surfacing publicly. He welcomed son Keith Jr. in 2017, often sharing glimpses of fatherhood that underscore his dedication amid a busy career.

Lifestyle revolves around fitness routines echoing his football days, travel for shoots, and low-key time with his child.

Net Worth

Keith Carlos has an estimated net worth of $500,000. Modeling contracts from NEXT and Select, plus America’s Next Top Model winnings and video roles, form his core earnings.

Football tryouts, endorsements, and TV personality gigs bolster this through steady media work and brand deals.