Just when fans thought Derek Carr would gear up for one more comeback, the New Orleans Saints quarterback has decided to step away from the game for good.
At 34, Carr has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, choosing peace and family over an uncertain return from injury.
A Deeply Personal Decision
Carr shared the news in a heartfelt statement, explaining that after a lot of prayer and long conversations with his wife, Heather, he knew it was time.
“After talking things through and reflecting with Heather, I’ve made the decision to retire from professional football,” he said.
“The last 11 years have been an incredible blessing, and we’re thankful for every moment of it.”
He went on to express gratitude to everyone who had been part of his football journey—teammates, coaches, fans, and the entire Saints organization.
“Your support has meant more to us than words can say,” he added.
A Lingering Injury That Changed Everything
Carr had been sidelined since early December 2024 after suffering a concussion and an injury to his left hand.
Though he started throwing again in March, things didn’t go as planned.
He began experiencing pain in his shoulder, and scans revealed some troubling news—serious degenerative damage to his rotator cuff.
Doctors did present surgery as an option, but the potential risks were high.
Not only could it cost him the 2025 season, but there were no guarantees he’d ever regain full strength.
That reality, combined with discussions with medical professionals and loved ones, led Carr to make the tough call to retire.
Grieving in Silence
What many didn’t know is that Carr and Heather were navigating a private heartbreak at the same time.
Just as they were planning to travel for his medical evaluation, Heather was rushed to the hospital—only to discover she had experienced a miscarriage.
They hadn’t even realized she was pregnant until the doctors told them.
Carr shared the emotional impact of the moment: “We were hit with this shock of, ‘Wait… we had a baby?’ So now, we don’t just have four kids—we have five. One of them is in heaven.”
The couple has three sons and one daughter.
Derek’s vulnerability in sharing this loss was a reminder that people are often carrying silent burdens.
“Let’s be the kind of people who don’t judge others or assume the worst,” he urged.
Media Scrutiny and Misinformation
As if the injury and personal loss weren’t enough, Carr found himself in the middle of a media storm.
Rumors began to swirl, suggesting he might be faking the injury.
This prompted Carr to speak out firmly: “Yes, I have a shoulder injury—despite what ESPN or some lady on a podcast says.”
He didn’t name names directly, but it was widely believed he was referring to Dianna Russini from The Athletic, who hinted in April that some around the league found the situation “fishy.”
Carr countered the speculation with facts, pointing to his MRI results and open communication with the Saints.
Saints Move On While Carr Steps Away
While Carr kept his health status private, the Saints prepared for the future, selecting Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The team’s tight-lipped approach only added to the mystery, fueling outside speculation.
Carr’s 2024 season—his second with New Orleans—was marked by inconsistency.
He played in just 10 games, missing seven due to various injuries, and finished the season with a 5-5 record as a starter.
Unfortunately, the Saints fell short of reaching the playoffs.
A Look Back at a Resilient Career
Carr’s career began in 2014 when the Oakland Raiders drafted him in the second round out of Fresno State.
Over the next decade, he became one of the league’s most recognized quarterbacks, earning four Pro Bowl selections and leading with passion, even through adversity.
His last Pro Bowl appearance came in 2022 during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders.
When he signed with the Saints in 2023, there were high hopes, but ongoing injuries and roster instability made it a bumpy ride.
What’s Next for Derek Carr?
As he steps into retirement, Carr leaves behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and class.
Whether he stays close to football through broadcasting, coaching, or mentorship—or takes time to focus entirely on family—one thing is certain: Derek Carr’s voice and experience still have a place in the world of football.
Fans may not get to see him throw another pass, but his honesty, strength, and humility in the face of personal and professional challenges have left a lasting impression.