Archer attended Venice High School, where he was a member of the basketball, football, and track teams. In track, he finished second in the 100 meters final of state track meet in his first full season of running, with a time of 10.49 seconds. He also ran the 200 meters in 21.46 seconds. As a senior, he was named to the all-area first team in football. He helped Venice High School win two district titles.
College career
Archer was offered track scholarships from both Clemson and Arkansas. Kent State was the only school to offer him a football scholarship where he elected to attend. As a freshman at Kent State University, in 2009, he played in 11 games as a wide receiver/running back and had 246 rushing yards and 231 receiving yards. The following season, he had 140 rushing yards and 75 receiving yards. Before the 2011 season, Archer was ruled ineligible for academic reasons. In 2012, Archer had 1,429 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 561 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns. His 24 total touchdowns led the MAC and set a single-season school record. Against Ball State, Archer had a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown and set a career-high with 350 all-purpose yards. Against Eastern Michigan, he had a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a kick return touchdown. Against Army, he had 222 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and a passing touchdown. Archer was named the MAC Special TeamsPlayer of the Year. He made the All-MAC first team as a running back and kick returner. He was also a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award. Archer was a consensus All-American.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Archer ran the 40-yard dash in 4.26 seconds, which is the third fastest time ever recorded since the NFL began electronic timing.
Pittsburgh Steelers
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 3rd round in the 2014 NFL Draft. On September 7, 2014, Archer made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns. On October 5, 2014, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Archer had a then career-best 36 kickoff return yards. On October 12, 2014, against the Cleveland Browns, Archer recorded career-highs in carries, rushing yards and rushing long. On December 28, 2014, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Archer recorded a career-long 15-yard reception. On January 3, 2015, Archer made his postseason debut against the Baltimore Ravens, catching 3 passes for 15 yards. In 2015 Archer did not record a carry or a catch for the Steelers offense, but saw more time as a kick returner. On October 1, 2015, against the Baltimore Ravens, Archer had a then career-long 31 yard kickoff return. On October 18, 2015, against the Arizona Cardinals, Archer once again recorded a career-long in a kickoff return, this time at 35 yards. On October 25, 2015, against the Kansas City Chiefs, Archer recorded his now career-long kick return of 38 yards. On November 5, 2015, Archer was waived by the Steelers.
On February 3, 2016, Archer signed a reserve/future contract with the New York Jets. On May 9, 2016, Archer was waived by the Jets.
Buffalo Bills
Archer was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills on May 10, 2016. When he failed to report to the team, he was placed on the reserve/did not report list on May 18, 2016.
