Derek Carr has had enough of the rumors and media reports. With questions swirling about his injured shoulder and whether the New Orleans Saints were left in the dark heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Carr decided it was time to set the record straight after several outlets suggested the team lacked clarity on his health status.
Carr’s current shoulder injury may have influenced the Saints’ decision to draft Tyler Shough at No. 40 overall. Carr addressed the media speculation head-on with a strong, emotional message.
Derek Carr Slams Media, Gives Defiant Update on Shoulder Injury
Frustrated with the ongoing speculation surrounding his health and future with the Saints, Carr took a moment during a recent church service to directly address the reports — and he didn’t hold back.
Derek Carr is publicly speaking about his shoulder injury. During a church service in Las Vegas (@TheChurchLV), he said he has been in contact with #Saints officials, has gotten an MRI and says everyone is trying to figure out the next steps. pic.twitter.com/ud2GRiHixI
— Farrah Yvette (@farrah_yvette)
“I hate that I have to say this, but I have to say this. Yes, I have a shoulder injury despite what ESPN says and what some lady on a podcast might think,” Carr told the congregation. I have an MRI report to prove it. The team knows about it. We’ve been in constant communication. There’s nothing wrong. We’re figuring it out and we’re going to go forward with that. Is that okay?
“I’ve been dealing with this, and I’ve been dealing with [the media] lying about me, and I’ve been dealing with them saying this and that, and I’m like, ‘Lord, why do I have to continue to deal with this nonsense?'”
Carr highlighted how easy it is to judge without knowing the whole story.
“What is going on? I say that to preface that you never really know what someone is going through. And so why do we continually try to attack people, and I would say attack people that are trying to do things the right way?”
He then took aim at the culture of online criticism, blaming social media for making every opinion feel bigger than it should be.
“Why do we always have to have an opinion? Twitter and Instagram have ruined things for some people. Because now all these people feel they have voices that have to be heard.”
Carr wrapped up by making it clear where he believes proper judgment comes from — and it’s not from social media.
“Some people’s voices don’t need to be heard right now. The only opinion that matters is that text right there. It is the word of God.”
When healthy, Carr has put together a 14-13 record with the Saints over the past two seasons. Last season, though, Carr missed seven games due to injury, a stretch that derailed New Orleans’ playoff hopes. Heading into the draft, most experts projected the franchise would pick a quarterback to add depth behind Carr, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.
In Shough, the Saints drafted a mature signal-caller who played for three different collegiate programs over the past seven seasons. Shough, 25, brings plenty of experience and will compete for the team’s primary backup role. If Carr’s shoulder doesn’t bounce back, the rookie could find himself fighting for a shot at starting.
Carr still presumably remains the Saints’ starting quarterback and insists he’s on track to return at full strength. But with a new rookie waiting in the wings and the front office making sure they’re covered for every possible outcome, Carr knows the scrutiny around him isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
