Saints’ Derek Carr retires due to shoulder injury in NFL stunner

Derek Carr’s shoulder injury proved to be more serious than initially feared.

The Saints quarterback is retiring at the age of 34 after being diagnosed with a labral tear and significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff, the team announced Saturday.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr retired from the NFL on Saturday. AP

There had been concerns he would miss the 2025 season, but Carr decided to end his career after 11 seasons following a talk with his wife, Heather.

The former Fresno State star spent time with the Raiders and Saints during his tenure.

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