Nearly five years later, former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr recently looked back on an iconic game against the New York Jets and shared a lighthearted story, once again thanking Jets fans for their kind gesture.
Derek Carr Recalls Jets Fans’ Kind Gesture Following Defeat Against the Raiders
Back in 2020, late in the regular season, Carr threw a 46-yard game-winning touchdown to wide receiver Henry Ruggs in the closing moments, handing the Jets a 31–28 loss. It was a memorable game with a wild ending, one that neither Carr nor the fans have forgotten.
While speaking recently on his “Home Grown with David & Derek Carr” podcast, he recalled that matchup and humorously thanked Jets fans for donating jerseys to Valley Children’s Hospital after the loss. While the defeat stung at the moment, it came during an already rough season for New York and ultimately helped the team’s draft position.
“But I also love Jets fans,” Carr said. “Here’s why. I threw, I checked cover zero, little deal, and then I check, I throw this game winner. Henry Ruggs, okay. Jets fans, because we helped them get a worse draft pick, donated to Valley Children’s Hospital. I got so many tweets saying thank you so much, and Valley Children’s was even telling me that they were getting so many calls from New Jersey and New York to donate. So Jets fans, I love you, and thank you for helping the kids.”
Always love for Jets fans! Thanks for helping the kids! https://t.co/g5VtbjJqCG
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) December 27, 2025
Derek and his brother David Carr have made donations to Valley Children’s Hospital several times, and it was heartwarming to see Jets fans turn a painful loss into something positive by supporting children in need. While Carr’s tone was humorous, it was clear he genuinely respected Jets fans for their generosity.
Carr’s Shocking Retirement
Carr was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft and was immediately named the starting quarterback for the then-Oakland Raiders. He served the franchise for nine seasons, never playing fewer than 15 games in a year during his tenure.
However, injuries took a toll on him throughout his career, and the 2024 season with the New Orleans Saints was especially difficult. An oblique injury forced him to exit a Week 5 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and later in Week 14, he fractured his hand against the New York Giants, ending his season.
Following those injuries, Carr realized he could no longer perform at the level he once did and decided to step away from football earlier this year, a decision that surprised many fans. Still, Carr and NFL fans alike carry memories that are hard to forget, including that dramatic 2020 game against the Jets.
