NEW ORLEANS — When Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL in May 2025, the decision sent ripples through the football world.
Not because it was unexpected, even though his shoulder injury had been public knowledge since March.
It was because of the refreshing honesty behind his choice.
“I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and take the Saints’ money,” Carr said to Front Office Sports.
The 34-year-old quarterback’s candor about walking away from a $30 million base salary for the 2025 season represents a shifting perspective in professional football.
The long-term implications of playing through injuries are increasingly scrutinized.
The medical reality was stark.
According to team physicians, Carr faced a labral tear combined with significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.
Research has shown that quarterback shoulder injuries can significantly impact performance and career longevity, particularly when combined with degenerative conditions.
Carr’s NFL journey spans 11 seasons, including nine with the Raiders and two with the Saints.
His career statistics tell the story of a consistent performer: 3,765 completions on 5,785 attempts, accumulating 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns.
But perhaps his most impactful decision came off the field.
“If I tried to play with it, I wasn’t near 100%, and so that doesn’t help them either,” Carr said. “I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”
This acknowledgment of limitations represents a mature perspective often missing in professional sports, where the pressure to perform can override long-term health considerations.
The Saints now face their own crossroads.
The team’s quarterback competition features an intriguing mix of talent: second-round pick Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.
The transition marks a new era for New Orleans, one built on young talent rather than veteran leadership.
Saints coach Kellen Moore praised Carr’s transparency throughout the process.
“He did everything he could,” Moore said. “He’s communicated extremely well. He’s worked really hard to put himself in position.”
The praise underscores the importance of open dialogue between players and organizations regarding health concerns.
For Carr, retirement offers new opportunities.
He’s expressed interest in broadcasting, particularly at the college level, though coaching remains a possibility. More importantly, he’s finding joy in life beyond football.
When his agent recently checked on his retirement decision, Carr’s response was telling. He sent a photo of himself playing with his children on the beach, accompanied by the message, “This beats an OTA any day.”
The NFL’s history is dotted with players who stayed too long, risking long-term health for short-term glory.
Studies have shown that shoulder injuries in NFL quarterbacks can have lasting impacts, affecting not just their playing careers but their quality of life after football.
Carr’s decision to prioritize his long-term well-being over immediate financial gain might serve as a template for future players facing similar choices.
It has become a growing concern across the NFL.