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Pro Bowl NFL Quarterback Announces Retirement At 34

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 10, 2025 11:46 AM ET

With the NFL season slowly but surely approaching, a Pro Bowl quarterback has announced his retirement.

Earlier this offseason, the New Orleans Saints learned that Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could force him to miss the entire 2025 season. It's unclear when the injury occurred. Nonetheless, the Saints responded by drafting their quarterback of the future in Tyler Shough.

So, what's next for Carr? According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he's walking away from football entirely.

"Saints QB Derek Carr, dealing with a shoulder injury that requires surgery that would knock him out for the 2025 season, is retiring, per The Insiders. While Carr tried an injection and rehab, it wouldn’t allow him to be 100% until another procedure. Both sides move on," Rapoport said.

Rapoport added that New Orleans will not seek reimbursement for the $10 million roster bonus and signing bonus Carr received this offseason.

Carr has already released a statement on his decision.

"Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League," Carr said. "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."

Carr, a former second-round pick from Fresno State, will finish his NFL career with 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2022.

We wish Carr all the best in retirement.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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