Another one bites the dust in the NFL, and this time it's New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr calling it quits. On Saturday, the Saints delivered the news that Carr, aged 34, has decided to hang up his cleats — a decision that came hot on the heels of a right shoulder injury, deemed the last straw alongside other health concerns. Following a serious concussion and a left-hand injury last December, Carr's comeback took a dive after his recent return to throwing revealed a labral tear and a rotator cuff that's seen better days, as per WWLTV.
Not an ideal way to go out, Carr was gunning for the new season when a pesky right shoulder pain emerged during a particularly intense throwing session, and that was his first foray into high-volume throwing since the injuries he incurred on December 8, 2024, and it was the beginning of the end, even though surgery was on the cards, taking that route offered no guarantees and carried the risk of knocking him out for the entire 2025 season or perhaps forever trashing his throw — Carr opted for retirement, according to WDSU News.
In the emotional farewell department, Carr expressed his gratitude for the more than a decade-long career he had, dropping thanks left and right to practically everyone who contributed to his journey. From teammates to coaches, to the ever-vocal fans, Carr spread the love and even had a special shoutout for his original team, the Raiders, on Instagram, he said, "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 reported by ESPN.
With Carr's departure, the Saints are now calling all quarterbacks to arms in a bid to find their next field general, because a hole just opened up and it's one big enough to drive a truck through, the torch is up for grabs and we're already seeing elbows getting sharp in anticipation for the competition — meanwhile, Carr's post-football life awaits, which he tackles with the promise of "pursuing it with the same fire" as his playing days. And so, another NFL saga closes, with Carr's cleats resting somewhere in a New Orleans locker, whispering tales of past glories to the echoes of an empty Superdome.
