In late March, during his initial high-volume throwing workouts since recovering from a concussion and a left hand injury in December, Carr, aged 34, felt shoulder discomfort.
The quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, Derek Carr, declared his retirement from the NFL on Saturday, mentioning a right shoulder injury and concerns about his long-term health.
The Saints made the announcement on Carr’s behalf on social media.
At the age of 34, Carr started to feel shoulder pain in late March as he engaged in his first extensive throwing sessions following a concussion and a left-hand injury in December. The team reported that medical examinations showed a labral tear and considerable damage to his rotator cuff.
“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr said, referencing his wife. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience.”
Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore spoke about Carr retiring during Q&A with media at Saints training camp.
“Yeah, you know, as we’ve gone through this whole offseason, you know, Derek had to, uh, go through a lot just as you go through this process, and I was making the decision ultimately to retire from the National Football League after an 11-year career. I mean, uh, first of all, you respect and appreciate so much that Derek’s done in this league and for the way he’s done it, the on the field performance, the off the field person that he’s showcased and the impact he’s had on so many people in this profession,” said Moore.
Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, joined the Saints in 2023 after nine seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders from 2014 to 2022.
His retirement decision came after consulting with his family, representatives, team doctors, and outside medical experts. Surgery was considered, but the recovery would have likely sidelined him for the entire 2025 season with no guarantee of a full return to form.
Carr thanked teammates, coaches, team staff, and fans for their support throughout his career. “Your unwavering support has meant the world to us,” he said.
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