Derek Carr Announces Retirement from NFL
In a surprising turn of events, Derek Carr, the record-holding quarterback for the Raiders, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The news broke on Saturday, signaling the end of an illustrious career marked by significant achievements.
Impact of Injury on Decision
Carr, who played for the New Orleans Saints over the past two seasons, cited ongoing complications from a shoulder injury as a key factor in his retirement. In late March, while preparing for the upcoming 2025 season, he experienced pain in his right shoulder after returning to throwing, having previously recovered from a concussion and a hand injury sustained in December 2024.
According to a social media post from the Saints, diagnostic scans revealed a labral tear and considerable degenerative changes in Carr’s rotator cuff.
Consultations and Considerations
After thorough discussions involving Carr, his family, the Saints Medical Team, and other medical experts, the possibility of surgery was explored. This option posed the risk of missing the entire 2025 season, and there was uncertainty about Carr’s ability to return to peak performance.
In light of these considerations and after talks with his wife, Heather, Carr decided that retirement was the best course for both his family and the organization.
A Stellar Career with the Raiders
Derek Carr was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Raiders and spent nine seasons with the franchise. Throughout his time, he played a pivotal role in the team’s last six seasons in Oakland and their initial three in Las Vegas. Carr holds several franchise records, including:
- Passing yards: 35,222
- Passing touchdowns: 217
- Completions: 3,201
Carr’s Reflection on His Career
In a formal statement released through the Saints organization, Carr expressed his heartfelt gratitude for his career: “Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League. For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience.” He continued by thanking teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Next Steps and Future Updates
This retirement marks a significant moment not only in Carr’s life but also for the NFL community, as fans and fellow athletes reflect on his contributions to the sport. As developments unfold, updates will be provided regarding Carr’s future plans and his potential new role within or outside of football.
For inquiries, please contact Vincent Bonsignore at [email protected]. Follow him on X for further updates.