| Darren Carlson | |
| Fullname: | Darren Graham Carlson |
| Birth Date: | 6 May 1967 |
| Originalteam: | Southport (QAFL) |
| Height: | 180 cm |
| Weight: | 77 kg |
| Position: | Wingman |
| Club1: | Southport |
| Games Goals1: | 64 |
| Club2: | Brisbane Bears |
| Years2: | 1987–1990 |
| Games Goals2: | 25 (7) |
| Club3: | West Adelaide |
| Years3: | 1991–1996 |
| Games Goals3: | 105 |
| Statsend: | 1996 |
Darren Graham Carlson (born 6 May 1967) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Brisbane Bears in the Victorian/Australian Football League (VFL/AFL).
Carlson played his junior football in Surfers Paradise and then participated in three QAFL premierships with Southport, in 1985, 1986 and 1987.[1] In the last of those years he also made his first VFL appearances for Brisbane in their inaugural league season, playing every game from round 11.[2] He averaged 19 disposals a game that year and was "best on ground" against North Melbourne at Carrara Oval, with three Brownlow Medal votes.[2] The following year he represented Queensland in the 1988 Adelaide Bicentennial Carnival.
Leg injuries restricted his progress and he could only add a further 14 games over the next three seasons.[2]
A wingman, Carlson went to South Australian National Football League (SANFL) club West Adelaide in 1991 and was named in "The Advertiser Team of the Year".[3]