Derek Carr Bio
Derek Dallas Carr is an American former professional football quarterback who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs, where he was recognized for his outstanding performance, earning all-conference honors. He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft and quickly became the team’s starting quarterback, setting several franchise records. A four-time Pro Bowler, Carr led the Raiders to playoff appearances and established himself as a key player before his recent tenure with the New Orleans Saints.
Early Life and Background
Derek Carr was born on March 28, 1991, in Fresno, California, the youngest of three children to Rodger and Sheryl Carr. He and his family lived in Bakersfield before relocating to Sugar Land, Texas, in 2002 when his oldest brother, David Carr, became the first overall draft pick of the then-expansion Houston Texans. Carr and his family moved back to Bakersfield for his senior year, where he attended Bakersfield Christian High School. Carr’s high school football career began at Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas. After playing on the freshman team his first year, he became a backup quarterback on the varsity team as a sophomore. He did not prepare himself to become the starting quarterback, but a preseason injury to another quarterback thrust him into the role. Carr made gradual progress as a starter for the Clements High School Rangers, passing for 1,246 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore, and 1,622 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior. During his junior year, Carr led his team to an undefeated 13–0 season before losing in the quarterfinals of the 2007 Class 5A Division 2 State playoffs. He was heavily recruited, ultimately committing to Fresno State at the end of his junior year.
Path to American Football
Carr enrolled as an early-entry freshman at Fresno State in 2009, where he participated in spring football. Despite being a true freshman, he was in contention for the starting quarterback position but ended up appearing in five games in limited action. After redshirting his 2010 season, Carr took over as the starting quarterback for Fresno State in 2011. He had a breakout season, passing for 3,544 yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. In 2012, Carr led the Bulldogs to a 9–4 record and was named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year. His 2013 season was even more impressive, as he led the FBS with 5,083 passing yards and 50 touchdowns, earning the Sammy Baugh Trophy and finishing eighth in Heisman Trophy voting. Carr’s collegiate success set the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Derek Carr Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Derek Carr was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the 36th overall pick. He became the first rookie quarterback in Raiders history to start a season opener and finished his rookie season with 3,270 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. In 2015, Carr continued to improve, throwing for 3,987 yards and 32 touchdowns, leading the Raiders to a 7–9 record. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, making him the first Raiders quarterback to achieve this since Rich Gannon in 2002. In 2016, Carr led the Raiders to their first playoff appearance since 2002, finishing the season with 3,937 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.
Breakthrough (2017–2021)
In 2017, Carr signed a five-year contract extension worth $125 million, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at that time. He continued to break franchise records and was named to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year in 2018. However, the Raiders struggled in 2019 and 2020, finishing with a 7–9 record in both seasons. Carr rebounded in 2021, throwing for a career-high 4,804 yards and leading the Raiders to the playoffs once again. Despite a loss in his first playoff start against the Cincinnati Bengals, Carr’s performance throughout the season solidified his status as a top quarterback in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Carr holds multiple franchise records for the Raiders, including passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions. He has been recognized as a four-time Pro Bowler and has received various accolades throughout his career, including the Sammy Baugh Trophy and Mountain West Male Athlete of the Year.
Derek Carr Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Derek Carr has received numerous nominations, including multiple Pro Bowl selections, showcasing his talent and impact in the league.
Derek Carr Awards Won
Carr’s accolades include being a four-time Pro Bowler and receiving the Sammy Baugh Trophy, among other honors during his collegiate and professional career.
Derek Carr Family
Derek Carr is married to Heather Carr, and the couple has three sons and a daughter. His family has been supportive throughout his career, and he often credits them for his success.
Personal Life
Carr’s brother, David Carr, was the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Derek is a Christian and has expressed that his faith is the most important aspect of his life. He has also been open about his family’s challenges, including his oldest son’s medical condition that required multiple surgeries.
