New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has stunned NFL fans by opting for retirement rather than an arduous return from shoulder injury.
Carr released a statement on his decision after discussing with his wife, Heather.
‘Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,’ said Carr. ‘For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience.
‘It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.’
As explained in the Saints’ statement, Carr began throwing again in March after his 2024 season ended December 8 due to a concussion and a left-hand injury.
The 34-year-old soon began experiencing discomfort in his throwing shoulder and subsequent medical scans revealed ‘significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff,’ according to the team.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has stunned NFL fans by opting for retirement rather than an arduous return from shoulder injury
The couple already share Deakon Derek, Deker Luke, Dallas Mason and Brooklyn Mae
Derek Carr released a statement on his decision after discussing with his wife, Heather
Although surgery was an option, it would put his entire 2025 season in jeopardy and still couldn’t ensure a return to full strength.
So, after discussing with his wife, Heather, as well as team and outside medical personnel, Carr has decided to end his NFL career after 11 seasons.
Carr’s sudden retirement comes after his recent revelation that Heather recently suffered a miscarriage.
The former Fresno State star said they had been scheduled to travel to New Orleans to get a diagnosis on his shoulder injury when he had to rush his wife to the hospital.
Carr, who has been married to Heather since 2012, revealed that neither he nor his wife were aware they were expecting until the medics informed them that the miscarriage was behind her illness.
‘So now we’re hit with this emotional toll of “wait, we had a child?” So we don’t just have four babies, we have five. One is in heaven. We have three boys and a little girl, and we’re going to get to meet the other one when we get to heaven someday.
‘I say all that to say let’s be a people that doesn’t judge and point out and think the worst when you don’t really know what people are going through.’
