Last month, Derek Carr made a pivotal decision in his football journey: the former New Orleans Saints quarterback announced his retirement after an impressive 11 seasons in the NFL. Now 34 years old and recovering from a shoulder injury that required surgery, Carr stands firm in his choice, embracing this new chapter of life.
Making the call to step away from the game wasn’t taken lightly, especially considering Carr was facing the prospect of sitting on the sidelines if he continued to play. For many athletes, financial incentives can weigh heavily in the decision to prolong their careers, but for Carr, it was about more than just the payday.
“There was a tough part because I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and – it sounds crazy, but – just take the Saints’ money,” Carr shared. The quarterback was set to earn a substantial $30 million in 2025, with two years left on his four-year, $150 million contract he signed in 2023, plus a $10 million roster bonus. Yet despite the lucrative figures, Carr expressed that the essence of his decision stemmed from a desire for fulfillment beyond financial gain.
“I never played just for the money,” Carr emphasized, reflecting on the reactions he received from friends and fans alike. “That’s all cool, but I’ve gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn’t really do anything for your heart. I knew my heart was at peace, and that’s really all that mattered.”
Acknowledging that he wouldn’t have been able to perform at the level he expected had he chosen to delay the necessary surgery, Carr felt it was the right move for both him and the Saints organization. He noted he was far from being 100 percent healthy, which made the decision to retire feel right.
Interestingly, Carr reported feeling no regrets about his choice. When his agent checked in on him recently, Carr responded with a snapshot of his new life—something that captures the joy he finds in spending time at the beach with his kids. “This beats an OTA any day,” he quipped, and it was clear he was thriving in this new routine.
As Carr transitions beyond the gridiron, he’s contemplating a potential career in sports media. Meanwhile, the Saints find themselves heading into the season with a quarterback room that could be characterized as a bit untested. With Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and rookie Tyler Shough stepping in, the franchise faces uncertainty. Rattler didn’t secure a victory as a starter last season, and Haener also comes with a limited track record. However, new head coach Kellen Moore has expressed a confident outlook regarding his quarterbacks’ potential to rise to the occasion.
While Carr’s playing days may be over, his journey in the NFL has left an indelible mark, not just on the field, but in how he approaches life beyond it. As fans, we can appreciate the weight of his decision and look ahead to how both Carr and the Saints will navigate their respective futures.
