Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Derek Carr

Discover the career path of Derek Carr, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Derek Carr is a former American football quarterback who played 11 seasons in the NFL. He excelled at Fresno State, earning All-Mountain West Conference honors twice. Carr was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. His career highlights include multiple Pro Bowl selections and holding several Raiders franchise records. He also played for the New Orleans Saints. Carr is known for his strong arm, leadership abilities, and dedication to his faith.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2001: Highest Ranking Since 2001

In 2013, the Bulldogs reached as high as 15 in the AP Poll, their highest since 2001.

2001: Highest Raiders Quarterback Rating

On December 7, Derek Carr posted a 140.2 rating, the highest for a Raiders quarterback since Rich Gannon in 2001.

2002: Raiders Games Started

In 2002, Derek Carr became the first Raiders quarterback to start all 16 games since Gannon.

2002: Clinching first winning season since 2002

In 2016, Derek Carr led the Raiders to their first winning season and playoff berth since 2002.

2002: Last Playoff Appearance Before 2016

The Raiders had not reached the playoffs since 2002, until Derek Carr led them to a playoff berth in 2016.

October 29, 2008: National Football Player of the Week

On October 29, 2008, Derek Carr was selected by ESPN RISE as the National Football Player of the Week after passing for 441 yards and three touchdowns against Tehachapi High School.

November 7, 2008: Central Section Record

On November 7, 2008, Derek Carr set a Central Section record by throwing 544 yards in a win against Arvin High School.

2009: National Player of the Year

In 2009, Derek Carr was named the National Player of the Year by the National Private Schools Athletic Association.

2011: Starting for the Bulldogs

In 2011, Derek Carr made his first appearance as a starter for the Bulldogs in their season-opening loss to California. He passed for 3,544 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

2011: Starting Quarterback

In the fall of 2011, Derek Carr took over the starting quarterback position for Fresno State.

2012: MWC Offensive Player of the Year

In 2012, Derek Carr passed for 4,104 yards, 37 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He won the MWC Offensive Player of the Year.

2012: New Head Coach

In 2012, Tim DeRuyter replaced Pat Hill as Derek Carr's head coach. Carr helped lead the Bulldogs to a 9-4 season.

2013: CFPA Elite QB Award

In 2013, Derek Carr received the CFPA Elite QB Award for his performance over three seasons at Fresno State.

2013: 11-2 Record

In the 2013 season, Derek Carr helped lead the Bulldogs to an 11-2 record, the most wins for the program since 2001.

2013: FBS Passing Leader

In the 2013 season, Derek Carr led the FBS with 5,083 passing yards and 50 touchdowns. He also won the Sammy Baugh Trophy and finished in eighth place in the Heisman Trophy voting.

2014: NFL Draft and Contract

In 2014, Derek Carr was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and signed a four-year contract for $5.37 million.

2014: Starting Quarterback

In 2014, Derek Carr was named the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, becoming the first rookie quarterback in Raiders history to start a season opener.

2014: Drafted by the Oakland Raiders

In 2014, Derek Carr was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the NFL draft.

2015: 2015 Season

In 2015, Derek Carr had 3,987 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, and the Raiders went 7-9.

December 20, 2016: Second Consecutive Pro Bowl Selection

On December 20, 2016, Derek Carr was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl, although an injury prevented him from participating.

2016: Raiders Reach Playoffs

In 2016, Derek Carr helped the Raiders reach the playoffs, marking the franchise's first appearance since 2002.

2016: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2016, Derek Carr was selected to replace Aaron Rodgers in the Pro Bowl, marking the first time a Raiders quarterback had been selected since Rich Gannon in 2002.

June 22, 2017: Contract Extension

On June 22, 2017, Derek Carr signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Raiders, briefly becoming the league's highest-paid player.

2017: Starting Streak

In 2017, Derek Carr began a streak of 91 consecutive starts for the Raiders.

2017: Number Retired

In 2017, Derek Carr's number was retired by Fresno State during halftime of a game against Incarnate Word.

January 22, 2018: Pro Bowl Selection

On January 22, 2018, Derek Carr was named to his third straight Pro Bowl, replacing Tom Brady.

2021: Another Postseason Berth

In 2021, Derek Carr led the Raiders to another postseason berth.

April 12, 2022: Contract Extension

On April 12, 2022, Derek Carr signed a three-year, $121.5 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, including a no-trade clause.

2022: Loss of Starting Job

Following a 2022 season below expectations, Derek Carr lost his starting job with the Raiders.

2022: First Career Playoff Start

In 2022, Derek Carr made his first career playoff start against the Bengals, throwing for 310 yards and a touchdown, but also throwing a game-losing interception.

2022: Benched by Raiders

In 2022, Derek Carr was benched by the Raiders after a loss to the Steelers, ending his streak of 91 consecutive starts and leading to him stepping away from the team for the remainder of the season.

January 31, 2023: Pro Bowl Selection

On January 31, 2023, Derek Carr was selected to replace Joe Burrow in the Pro Bowl.

March 6, 2023: Signing with the Saints

On March 6, 2023, Derek Carr signed a four-year contract with the Saints for $150 million, reuniting with former Raiders head coach Dennis Allen from 2014.

2025: Retirement Announcement

In 2025, Derek Carr announced his retirement from professional football due to a severe rotator cuff injury after playing two seasons for the New Orleans Saints.