In one of the most shocking developments of the offseason, 11-year veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL. After spending time with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders and most recently the New Orleans Saints, Carr’s decision stunned many across the league.
Though he was in the middle of a four-year deal and expected to start for the Saints in Week 1, a torn labrum and extensive rotator cuff damage ultimately led him to walk away from the game.
As tributes poured in from around the NFL, Carr’s wife, Heather, shared a heartfelt message and captured his first day of retirement, offering fans a personal glimpse into the emotional moment.
Derek Carr’s Wife Proud of the QB’s Accomplishments
Although there had been recent speculation about Carr possibly missing the 2025 NFL season, few anticipated that the 34-year-old would hang up the cleats so early. However, the team’s statement on Carr’s retirement sheds light on his decision.
According to the Saints, “medical scans determined objectively that Derek sustained a labral tear and also had significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff” after he experienced pain in late March while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season.
While season-ending surgery was discussed at length, the team indicated that “there was no guarantee (Carr) would return to the level of strength, function, and performance of play to which he was accustomed.” The QB then took up the matter with his wife, and decided to call it quits.
In a statement released by the team, Carr said, “Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League. 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.”
Carr, a second-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft, had an impressive career in the league and did enough to make his wife proud.
“Happy retirement my love! I’m so proud of you,” she wrote. “What an amazing 11 year career. All your records, pro bowls, and accomplishments on the field don’t even compare to the husband, dad and man you are off the field. I am so excited for what the Lord has next for us! There is so much more I want to say but I’ll just tell you in person 😉.”
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Heather, who married Carr well before his NFL debut in 2012, also recorded the quarterback’s first day of retirement and shared it with fans on Instagram. Carr can be seen running in the yard and working out with the couple’s four children before going out on a date.
“Alright, babe, what’s next on the first day of retirement?” Heather asked as Carr loaded up his truck with golf clubs, to which her husband of nearly 13 years replied, “I’m going to make The Tour.”
The pair were next seen with the family at dinner before Carr ended his day by watering the garden and sitting behind his computer.
“Ending our first day of retirement,” Heather said as she captured a smiling Carr in his office.
Carr’s retirement leaves the QB1 spot for New Orleans wide open, but he will now be focused on four of his children with Heather: sons Deakon Derek, Deker Luke, Dallas Mason, and daughter Brooklyn Mae.
