Brief Introduction of Craig Carton
Craig Harris Carton is a prominent American sports radio and television personality known for his charismatic, often controversial, and high-energy broadcasting style. He has been a significant voice in the New York sports media market for decades. Carton is most recognized for co-hosting the highly successful morning show “Boomer and Carton” on WFAN in New York City alongside former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason. His career has been marked by both immense popularity and significant controversy, including a conviction for securities and wire fraud that led to a prison sentence. Despite this, Carton has demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to the airwaves and continuing to command a significant audience. He is also a published author and a dedicated philanthropist, having founded the Tic Toc Stop foundation to support children with Tourette syndrome.
Craig Carton Overview
| Full Name | Craig Harris Carton |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1969 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 56 |
| Birthplace | New Rochelle, New York |
| Profession | Radio and Television Personality |
| Husband/Wife | Kim Carton (ex-wife) |
| Family | Four children: Anthony, Lucky, Sonny, and Mickey |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be negative due to restitution payments |
Early Life and Education of Craig Carton
Craig Harris Carton was born on January 31, 1969, in New Rochelle, New York. Growing up in a suburban environment, he developed an early passion for sports and broadcasting. He attended New Rochelle High School, where he began to hone his skills by doing play-by-play for various high school sporting events in Westchester County. This early experience laid the groundwork for his future career in sports media. After graduating from high school, Carton enrolled at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, a prestigious institution known for its journalism and communications programs. During his time at Syracuse, he was a member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity and worked on a cable television show called “Views From the Bridge.” He graduated in 1991 with a degree in broadcast journalism, well-equipped with the knowledge and ambition to embark on a career in the competitive world of broadcasting. In his personal life, Carton has been open about some of the challenges he has faced, including a diagnosis of Tourette syndrome in his 30s. He has also publicly disclosed that he was a victim of child sexual abuse, a traumatic experience he has since discussed in an effort to help others.
Craig Carton’s Career
Craig Carton’s broadcasting career began in 1991 at WGR Radio in Buffalo, New York. His talent and distinctive voice quickly gained recognition, leading to opportunities at other stations across the country. He moved to WWWE in Cleveland in 1992 and then to the influential sports radio station WIP in Philadelphia in April 1993. At WIP, the brash young host, nicknamed “The Kid,” made a name for himself, eventually becoming the youngest person in the country to host a daily sports talk radio show in a major market. His career then took him to Denver, where he hosted a highly successful morning show at KKFN “The Fan” and later at KBPI. He returned to the East Coast to be with his wife, Kim, who was expecting their first child. In the early 2000s, Carton hosted “The Jersey Guys” on New Jersey 101.5, a show that was nominated for a Marconi Award as the top mid-market talk show in the country.
The most significant chapter of Carton’s career began in 2007 when he was paired with former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason to co-host the morning show on WFAN in New York City, replacing the legendary Don Imus. The “Boomer and Carton” show was an immediate success, quickly climbing to the top of the ratings. The show’s blend of sports analysis, humor, and Carton’s provocative style resonated with listeners, making it the number one morning show for men aged 25-54 within a year. “Boomer and Carton” became a staple of New York sports talk radio for a decade and was also simulcast on television, first on the MSG Network and later on CBS Sports Network. During its run, the show was nominated for multiple Marconi Awards and won several Cynopsis Media awards as the nation’s top major-market sports talk show.
This successful run came to an abrupt halt in September 2017 when Carton was arrested by federal agents on charges of securities and wire fraud. He resigned from WFAN shortly after. Following his release from prison, Carton made a remarkable comeback to the airwaves. In November 2020, he returned to WFAN to co-host the afternoon drive show “Carton & Roberts” with Evan Roberts. The show quickly became a ratings success. In 2022, Carton expanded his reach by launching a national morning show on Fox Sports 1, “The Carton Show.” He eventually left WFAN in June 2023 to focus on his television career. More recently, in a surprising turn of events, it was reported in late 2025 that Carton would be returning to WFAN for a third stint, this time to host the afternoon drive show. Throughout his career, Carton also authored a book titled “Loudmouth: Tales (and Fantasies) of Sports, Sex, and Salvation from Behind the Microphone,” which was published in 2013.
Craig Carton Personal Life & Family
Craig Carton’s personal life has been as eventful and, at times, as turbulent as his professional career. He was married to Kim Carton, and together they have four children: Anthony, Lucky, Sonny, and Mickey. Kim Carton has been described as a private individual who largely stayed out of the public spotlight, focusing on raising their children. However, the immense pressure of Carton’s legal troubles and his subsequent conviction took a toll on their marriage. The couple eventually divorced, with reports indicating that the separation occurred around the time of his legal issues. Despite the end of their marriage, they reportedly share custody of their four children. Carton has also been open about his personal struggles, including his diagnosis of Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics. This personal experience led him to establish the Tic Toc Stop foundation. He has also bravely spoken about being a victim of sexual abuse during his childhood, a revelation that provided a deeper context to some of the personal challenges he has faced.
Awards and Achievements of Craig Carton
- Inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame in 2024.
- “Boomer and Carton” was nominated for multiple Marconi Awards for Major Market Personality of the Year.
- “Boomer and Carton” won several Cynopsis Media Awards for the nation’s top major-market sports-talk show.
- “The Jersey Guys” was nominated for a Marconi Award as the top mid-market talk show in the country.
- Winner of the Pulse of the People Award multiple times, including a record fifth win in 2014.
Craig Carton Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Craig Carton’s net worth is estimated to be negative. This is primarily due to the significant restitution he was ordered to pay as part of his sentencing for fraud. At the peak of his career, particularly during the successful run of “Boomer and Carton,” he was earning a substantial salary, reportedly in the millions of dollars annually. His income has been derived from his work as a radio and television host. Upon his return to broadcasting, including his move to Fox Sports, he reportedly signed lucrative contracts. A portion of his current earnings is allocated to fulfilling his restitution obligations.
Legacy and Influence
Craig Carton has left an indelible mark on the landscape of sports talk radio, particularly in the competitive New York market. He is often credited with popularizing a “guy talk” format that blended sports commentary with entertainment, humor, and often controversial opinions. The immense success of “Boomer and Carton” demonstrated the power of this personality-driven approach, influencing a generation of sports talk hosts. His career, however, also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for personal demons and poor choices to derail professional success. His public battle with a gambling addiction and the resulting criminal conviction have become a central part of his narrative. In the wake of his legal troubles, Carton has used his platform to raise awareness about gambling addiction, hosting a public service show called “Hello, My Name Is Craig” and speaking openly about his experiences. This advocacy has added a new dimension to his public image, transforming him from a controversial shock jock to a more complex figure who has experienced both the highs of fame and the lows of personal and legal turmoil.
Interesting Facts about Craig Carton
- He was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in his 30s.
- He founded the Tic Toc Stop foundation in 2013 to raise money and awareness for Tourette syndrome, and to provide a camp for children with the condition.
- He is the author of the book “Loudmouth: Tales (and Fantasies) of Sports, Sex, and Salvation from Behind the Microphone,” published in 2013.
- While in high school, he took a sports broadcasting class taught by legendary announcer Bob Wolff.
- He was broadcasting live on WNEW during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Controversies
The most significant controversy of Craig Carton’s life and career was his arrest and subsequent conviction on federal charges of securities fraud and wire fraud. In September 2017, he was arrested by the FBI for his role in a Ponzi-like scheme involving the fraudulent resale of concert tickets. Prosecutors stated that Carton and his co-conspirators defrauded investors out of millions of dollars, which Carton used to pay off significant gambling debts. Following a trial in which the prosecution presented evidence of his misuse of investor funds, Carton was found guilty in November 2018. He was sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison and ordered to pay $4.8 million in restitution. Carton served approximately one year of his sentence before being released to a halfway house and then home confinement. Throughout his career, Carton has also been known for his on-air stunts and provocative commentary, which have often generated public debate and criticism.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Craig Carton
Craig Carton’s career is a compelling narrative of talent, ambition, and redemption. From his early days as a rising star in sports radio to becoming a dominant force in the New York media market, his journey has been anything but ordinary. The dramatic interruption of his career due to his criminal conviction and imprisonment could have been a final chapter. However, Carton has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for a comeback. His return to the airwaves has been successful, and he continues to be a prominent voice in sports media. His future seems to be firmly planted back in the world of broadcasting, with a reported return to a premier spot at WFAN. His legacy will likely be a complex one: a highly talented and influential broadcaster who also serves as a public example of the devastating consequences of addiction and the possibility of a second chance. His ongoing work in raising awareness for Tourette syndrome and gambling addiction will also be a significant part of his story.
