Derek Carr’s retirement wasn’t a typical one. It didn’t include jersey swaps or farewell pressers in front of crying teammates. It included an MRI, a quiet sermon, and a decision that strikes more forcefully than any edge rusher could. The Saints quarterback paid attention to that one voice louder than the crowd: his own body, after 11 seasons, four Pro Bowls, and over 35,000 passing yards. A degenerative rotator cuff and a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder not only ended his 2025 season but also ended his NFL career. And in contrast to what other players would have done, Carr also decided not to milk the last chapter. Just a fresh start, a sincere note, and a surprising sense of peace.
The football community is already adjusting to life without one of its most resilient leaders, and Carr’s post-NFL chapter is already underway. But it looks more like real life than Sunday game film. Heather Carr shared a picture of herself and her son Deakon, both of them beaming, in an Instagram story that felt like the emotional version of a mic drop. Reason behind the celebration? Graduation of her son, Deakon Carr. The mother-son duo stood beside a cluster of black and white graduation balloons, one of which said “happy graduation,” but the poster that stood next to it was the true show-stopper, “CLASS, 2025 DEAKON CARR.” The caption? “KINDERGARTEN GRADUATE ”
Derek Carr went from being a franchise quarterback to a proud father at graduation. He has started a new chapter in his life, one that involves snack packs, bedtime stories, and classroom achievements. He decided to leave even though he had a $30 million fully guaranteed salary in 2025. As reported, Carr’s contract was reworked by the Saints to ease the team’s cap situation. Though he kept his $10 million roster bonus and his 2023 signing bonus, but gave up that enormous 2025 payout.
He formally announced his decision to retire from the NFL on May 10: “Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League.” It was a touching conclusion to an 11-year career and a leadership legacy on and off the field. And in true Derek Carr fashion, he didn’t simply leave; instead, he left a guaranteed $30 million on the table. Carr chose family over money, clarity over confusion, and retirement over surgery. But while Carr is trading playbooks for picture books, the Saints quarterback room is already feeling the effects of Derek Carr’s retirement, and one name has surfaced in bold: Tyler Shough.
Derek Carr’s retirement just threw Tyler Shough into the Saints’ spotlight
Tyler Shough, who was drafted in the second round by the Saints, didn’t expect to start immediately. Because Carr was still the guy, after all, until he wasn’t. Now that the veteran has retired, the quarterback competition is formally underway, and Shough is a major topic of discussion. When was the last time a rookie for the Saints started from the first snap? Archie Manning, perhaps. So, if Shough wins this QB1 position, his name will go down in history.
And don’t mistake Shough to be an average rookie. After playing collegiate football for seven years, Shough joined the NFL. Any coach would be forced to take notice after seeing so much footage, trials, and touchdowns. The 24-year-old has the experience and the drive to make an impact after throwing for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns in the 2024 season. Shough recently stated, “I was going to come in regardless of [Carr] being here or not. All you can ask for is an opportunity.” And that opportunity has landed right in his hands, thanks to Carr.
Now, Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and Shough make up the Saints’ quarterback room. According to reports, Rattler, who had a 0–6 start record the previous season, “took it personal” that Shough was selected by the Saints. Because while Haener is fighting through a minor injury. Shough is drawing attention. NFL Rookie Watch claims that Kellen Moore has been “impressed” by Shough’s throwing angles and field vision.
It is now a three-way competition. However, with Carr’s retirement leaving a quarterback void and Shough’s skill set drawing praise, the former Oregon and Texas Tech quarterback may be the next in line to take the lead for the Saints. Carr takes a step down. Another Carr completes kindergarten. And somewhere in the middle, Tyler Shough prepares to make history.
The post Wife Heather Announces Big Milestone in Derek Carr’s Life After Injured Saints QB’s Retirement appeared first on EssentiallySports.