3 Possible Reasons Why Derek Carr Decided to Retire at 34

Derek Carr's unexpected retirement has shocked the NFL. Here are three key reasons that are likely to have influenced his decision.

Derek Carr (Image via Open Source)

An unexpected decision from a respected quarterback took the NFL by surprise as Derek Carr made the decision to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons. It was shocking because in today’s era, quarterbacks are able to play until they are 40 years of age, and sometimes, even longer. However, Carr has taken an unexpected route and chosen to walk away from the game earlier than most.

While many quarterbacks choose to walk away from the game due to a lack of opportunity, the case is different with Carr. He had signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. With two more seasons left on his deal, he could have chosen to undergo surgery and play out the remainder of his tenure.

However, there are layers to his decision, it is never easy for a professional athlete to retire abruptly. After all, this is the job that they have worked toward their entire life. The same is the case with Derek Carr, three key factors likely influenced his decision to retire.

3. Being in the spotlight takes a toll

Professional athletes do not get paid to play, they get paid to behave in a gentlemanly manner, even in situations where losing their temper can be justified. Carr has been a professional; however, in recent years, the negativity being directed toward him has exponentially increased. Raiders Nation turned against him after he failed to meet their expectations, and last year, when the Saints began to lose games after making a strong start to the regular season, the fingers were pointed at the quarterback.

To an extent, he handled it, but some fans took it a step further and went after his family and kids. While the quarterback did not come out and say that, he goes through social media posts and is likely to have come across hurtful statements directed at his family. That takes a toll on an individual’s mind. When a person keeps reading such hurtful statements regularly, the raw passion for the game tends to fade.

The same likely happened with Carr. Remember, the quarterback never holds back; he once went after Max Kellerman and ESPN for questioning his ability. However, he has more to lose by going after fans than he has to gain.

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2. Derek Carr did not wish to endure the pain of surgery

The quarterback began to complain of pain in his shoulder. After a detailed diagnosis, the Saints’ medical team told him that surgery was the only solution to his problem. However, if Carr went under the knife, he would end up missing the whole 2025-26 season. It may not seem to be that big a deal for fans, but the ordeal of recovering from an injury to his throwing arm is a big deal to Carr.

Note that Carr had already missed multiple games last season, and to once again go through the pain of an injury is disheartening. Not only would he have to sit out for an entire season, but once he begins rehab, he will have to learn to use his arm and throw differently. The mere thought of going frustrated the quarterback, and understandably so. Injuries are the worst part of the game, and Derek Carr no longer wanted any part of it. This was the major factor that led him to retire.

1. Derek Carr lost his ‘Why’ to play football

Every athlete has a ‘Why,’ the main reason that drives them to play the game every day, the main reason that convinces them to endure the pain, and push through. They are in pursuit of the ultimate reward, a chance to compete in the Super Bowl and hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

However, Derek Carr has been in the league for 11 seasons, and the closest he came to a Super Bowl was a first-round exit. The Saints shocked the NFL with their dominant start last season, but the team quickly fell apart, and so did Carr. The quarterback seems to have lost all hope of achieving the one feat that all NFL players dream of: winning a Super Bowl.

He is still young, Carr has enough money to provide a happy life for his family, so the quarterback chose to walk away from the game and spend his time with his closest kin.

It is disheartening to see his career end this way, but it is a decision he made in his best interest, so the fans need to respect it.

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#About the Author

Sumedh Joshi

(2460 Articles Published)

Sumedh Joshi is an NFL writer at FirstSportz. With over three years of experience as a content writer, his foray into the area began with a brief stint for a tech-based blog. He began to actively curate engaging content that goes beyond informing the reader of the latest updates. Subsequently, he found his interest in football and has since covered the NFL actively. Sumedh holds a Bachelors in Commerce and LLB degree from St. Joseph's College of Law. He cherishes the idea of introducing his readers to different perspectives on any given topic. Sumedh believes there is more than just one side to every story and it is his role to convey the same to the audience. A lifetime sports fanatic, Sumedh is also passionate about the NBA and enjoys working out, reading, and introspecting in his leisure time.

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