- NFL. Tom Brady shuts down rumors and delivers pointed advice to Shedeur Sanders after draft slide
- NFL. Shedeur Sanders channels Tom Brady mindset after unexpected NFL Draft tumble
Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback with over a decade in the NFL, has officially called time on his career.
After 11 seasons marked by both personal milestones and playoff frustrations, Carr announced his retirement on Saturday, citing a shoulder injury and growing concerns about his long-term health.
In March 2025, while preparing for the season, Carr began experiencing pain in his throwing shoulder. Medical evaluations revealed a torn labrum and extensive rotator cuff damage.
Though surgery was an option, it would have ruled him out for the entire season and offered no guarantees about a full recovery. Weighing the risk, Carr chose to step away from the game.
"Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I've decided to retire from the National Football League," Carr said in his statement. "For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience."
While Carr's announcement was met with appreciation from the New Orleans Saints and many fans, the reaction wasn't universally respectful. One social media post from Cowboys YouTuber Cole Cowboys, shared after the Saints' tribute, read: "He never won a playoff game."
That dig was amplified by Terrence Parsons, brother of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons Jr., who replied, "Lmfaoo Jesus they won't talk about that tho." The comment sparked criticism online, with some viewing it as needlessly harsh given Carr's circumstances and legacy.
A career of production, but postseason struggles remain part of Carr's legacy
Carr finishes his career with 41,245 ing yards, 257 touchdown es, and the distinction of being one of the most statistically consistent quarterbacks of his era.
After a standout college career at Fresno State, he was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.
During his time with the Raiders-later the Las Vegas Raiders-Carr twice led the team to the playoffs. Unfortunately, both postseason runs ended in disappointment.
In 2016, a late-season leg injury sidelined him ahead of the Wild Card round, and the Raiders lost without him. In 2021, he started against the Cincinnati Bengals, throwing for 310 yards, but the team fell short in a 26-19 loss.
After ing the Saints in 2023, Carr hoped for a fresh start. He led the team to a 9-8 record in 2024, but it wasn't enough to secure a playoff berth. While the change of scenery brought flashes of promise, it never quite delivered the career resurgence Carr had hoped for.
Now, the Saints are left with a young and unproven quarterback group. The competition likely includes Tyler Shough, their 2025 second-round draft pick, along with Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and veteran Ben DiNucci.
All four are expected to compete for the starting job as New Orleans transitions to a new era under center.
Despite the criticism surrounding his lack of postseason wins, Carr's career was marked by durability, leadership, and professionalism. Few quarterbacks have started as many games over the past decade, and his influence inside locker rooms was consistently praised by teammates and coaches.
Whether ed for his steady arm or scrutinized for his playoff shortcomings, Carr leaves the league with a legacy that extends far beyond statistics.
But in a social media-driven sports world, even a heartfelt farewell isn't immune to criticism-especially when it comes from rival territory.