After 11 seasons, over 35,000 passing yards, and a career defined by leadership and resilience, **New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr** has announced his retirement from the **National Football League**, marking the end of a notable chapter in modern NFL history.
Carr, 34, made the announcement via social media on Saturday morning, thanking fans, teammates, coaches, and both the **Las Vegas Raiders** and **New Orleans Saints** organizations for their support throughout his career. “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to play this game. I gave it everything I had, every single day,” Carr wrote. “Now it’s time to step away and begin the next chapter—with peace in my heart and gratitude in my soul.”
Carr’s decision comes just one year after joining the Saints in free agency, where he started 17 games in the 2023 season, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading the team to a 9-8 finish. Although New Orleans missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker, Carr was seen as a stabilizing presence for the offense and brought veteran leadership to a young locker room.
**A Career Rooted in Loyalty and Grit**
Drafted in the second round (36th overall) of the **2014 NFL Draft** by the then-Oakland Raiders, Carr quickly became the face of the franchise. He started all 16 games as a rookie and would go on to become the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217) during his nine-year tenure with the organization.
Carr’s early years were marked by promise and steady improvement, culminating in a breakout 2016 season in which he threw for 3,937 yards and 28 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and leading the Raiders to a 12-4 record. That year, Carr was considered an MVP contender before a broken fibula in Week 16 ended his season prematurely.
Although the Raiders fell short of postseason success during his time there—only reaching the playoffs twice—Carr remained a cornerstone of the franchise during a period that saw major transitions, including the team’s move from Oakland to Las Vegas, changes in coaching staff, and major roster turnover.
“I never took for granted what it meant to wear silver and black,” Carr said in his statement. “No matter the record or the obstacles, I gave everything I had to that jersey. I hope the fans felt that.”
**New Orleans Chapter and Decision to Walk Away**
Carr signed a four-year deal with the Saints in 2023, reuniting with head coach Dennis Allen, who had originally drafted him in Oakland. Seen as a solution to the Saints’ quarterback instability post-Drew Brees, Carr brought consistency and experience to the role.
While the season had its ups and downs—including offensive struggles and multiple close losses—Carr provided moments of brilliance, including a 300-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Colts and a come-from-behind win over the Panthers in Week 14.
Still, sources close to Carr said the physical toll of the game, including multiple concussions and shoulder issues during the 2023 season, played a major role in his decision to retire.
“He’s always been one of the toughest guys in the room,” said Saints running back Alvin Kamara. “But I think for Derek, this decision wasn’t about stats or money—it was about family, health, and peace of mind. We’re going to miss him.”
Carr’s leadership and character also drew praise from across the league. Known as a team-first player and vocal locker room presence, Carr consistently earned the respect of teammates, opponents, and coaches.
“Derek Carr is one of the finest men I’ve had the pleasure of coaching,” said Raiders owner Mark Davis in a statement. “He led with heart, represented the shield with class, and gave his all to the Raiders every Sunday.”
**Legacy and What’s Next**
While Carr’s career may not include a Super Bowl ring or Hall of Fame stats, his impact on the teams he played for—and the game—can’t be overlooked. He retires ranked 32nd all-time in NFL passing yards and 30th in touchdowns, ahead of many notable names.
Off the field, Carr was deeply involved in community work, particularly through his foundation, DC4Kids, which focused on supporting underprivileged youth and families. He has also been vocal about his Christian faith, often citing it as the cornerstone of his resilience.
As for what comes next, Carr hinted at remaining involved in football in some capacity, possibly through broadcasting, coaching, or charitable work. “Football will always be a part of my life,” he said. “But now I’m focused on being the best husband, father, and mentor I can be.”
Carr is married to his college sweetheart, Heather, and the couple has four children. The quarterback often spoke about the importance of family in shaping his career decisions, and by all accounts, stepping away from football was made with them in mind.
**A Quiet Exit for a Quiet Leader**
In an era often marked by drama and spotlight-chasing, Derek Carr’s career stands out for its professionalism, perseverance, and humility. He may not have commanded the headlines like some of his peers, but those who played with him, coached him, or watched him over the last decade know the kind of leader he was.
As he steps away from the game, Carr leaves behind a legacy not just of statistics, but of character—an example of how to lead with grace, even when the path isn’t easy.
