New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr announced that he retired from the NFL at the age of 34, citing his decision to leave professional football due to a serious shoulder injury. The former Pro Bowl quarterback made the announcement Saturday morning, ending an 11-year career that included a notable career with Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders before joining the Saints.
Carl said the decision came after extensive reflection and discussion with his wife Heather. “We have been lucky for over a decade and we are very grateful and humbled by this experience,” he said in a statement issued by the Saints. “It’s hard to find the right words to thank all our teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials, and especially the fans who have made this journey so special.”
The Saints revealed that Carl began suffering pain on his right shoulder during preparations for the 2025 season, his first attempt since he suffered a concussion and a hand injury on December 8. Although it is an option for surgery, it will not fully recover throughout the season.
Carl has addressed his injuries in recent weeks during his church service, emphasizing his belief in faith’s external judgment. He took this opportunity to share what was ultimately important to him was not public opinion, but what he called the “Word of God”.
Derek Carr left the game with more than 41,200 pass yards, 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions, marking his outstanding career, and he is recognized as one of the league’s most stable and respected quarterbacks. His older brother David Carr also played in the NFL, making Carrs one of the league’s most outstanding quarterback families.
