NFL star announces retirement aged 34 in emotional statement after injury woes

Derek Carr has hung up his cleats after an illustrious 11-season career, which saw him earn four Pro Bowl selections and become the Las Vegas Raiders' all-time passing leader.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback announced his retirement from NFL on Saturday via a team statement, after suffering a torn labrum and degenerative rotator cuff damage in his throwing shoulder. A series of injuries led the 34-year-old to end his time in the sport.

"Derek Carr has announced his retirement. In late March, while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season, Derek experienced pain in his right shoulder," a statement from the Saints started. "It was his first time throwing a football at significant volume since recovering from both a concussion and left-hand injury sustained during play on December 8, 2024."

Despite surgery being on the table, there was no guarantee from doctors that Carr would fully recover or regain his former prowess on the field. After discussions with his wife Heather, and consultations with the Saints and outside medical experts, Carr opted for retirement.

"Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I've decided to retire from the National Football League," Carr expressed in a statement released by the team. "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."

Ahead of hanging up his cleats, Carr was seen visiting New Orleans on two separate occasions over the past month, where he reportedly met with the Saints' team doctor - which was reported just four days before he announced his retirement.

His retirement comes after a challenging season, marred by injuries, including a Week 5 oblique strain and a severe Week 14 collision against the Giants, which left him with a broken hand and concussion, after which he didn't step on the gridiron again during the season.

A stellar quarterback hailing from Fresno State, Carr was initially snapped up by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He exits the spotlight of professional football boasting impressive stats: racking up 41,245 career passing yards - ranking him 20th all-time and sixth among those still playing - as well as accruing 257 touchdowns, placing him 22nd in the record books.

With Carr bidding farewell, the Saints are pivoting from an experienced signal-caller to a gripping contest for the starting role between 2025 draft choice Tyler Shough from Louisville, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.

New Orleans selected Shough over other hyped prospects like Shedeur Sanders, while also bolstering their offensive front by picking up Kelvin Banks Jr.

The Saints further fortified their offensive strategy by bringing in UCLA tight end Moliki Matavao in the seventh round, to enhance the passing game for whoever gets the nod at QB.

New Orleans kicked off their rookie camp on Friday and have already secured contract agreements with Banks, Matavao, and six rookies. However, Shough, DL Vernon Broughton, and safety Jonas Sanker are yet to sign deals.