Thank You, DC4: Derek Carr Retires, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Silver & Black
Derek Carr has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, closing the chapter on a remarkable 10-year career marked by perseverance, class, and unshakable leadership. While he finished his playing days with the New Orleans Saints, Carr will always be remembered as the face of the Raiders during one of the most tumultuous and transformative periods in franchise history.
Drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Carr immediately became the heartbeat of the Silver & Black. Thrust into the starting role as a rookie, he embraced the responsibility with humility and determination. In a league where stability at quarterback is rare, Carr became a fixture in the Raiders organization, starting 142 games over nine seasons and setting virtually every major passing record in franchise history.
Carr leaves the Raiders as the all-time leader in passing yards (35,222), passing touchdowns (217), completions, and game-winning drives. But his legacy goes far beyond the numbers. He brought hope to a team that was struggling to find its identity. In 2016, he led the Raiders to a 12-4 record and their first playoff berth in 14 years, earning MVP consideration before a heartbreaking injury ended his season just before the playoffs. That year, Carr gave Raider Nation a glimpse of what could be — and reminded fans what it felt like to believe again.
Through coaching changes, front office shake-ups, a franchise relocation, and off-field tragedies, Carr remained the constant. He showed up every week, often carrying the weight of an entire organization on his shoulders. Whether it was his emotional press conference following the release of Henry Ruggs III or his unwavering support of teammates through difficult times, Carr was more than a quarterback — he was a leader of men.
Even after his departure from the Raiders, Carr never spoke ill of the organization or its fans. He handled his exit with the same grace that defined his entire career. In New Orleans, he continued to compete with passion and professionalism, but there was always a part of him that remained connected to the Raider shield.
Now, as he steps away from the game, Raider Nation reflects on all that Carr gave to the franchise — the wins, the records, the heart, and the hope. He wasn’t perfect, and he faced criticism along the way, but no one ever questioned his commitment to the team or his love for the game.
Derek Carr may never wear a gold jacket in Canton, but in the hearts of Raider fans, he will always be a Hall of Famer. He gave everything he had, every Sunday, for nearly a decade. And for that, we say thank you.
Thank you, DC4. You’ll always be a Raider.
