
Who is Derek Carr? Derek Dallas Carr, born on March 28, 1991, in Bakersfield, California, is a standout quarterback in the NFL. Known for his impressive college career at Fresno State, where he set numerous records, Carr was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2014. Over his career, he has earned four Pro Bowl selections and led his team to multiple playoff appearances. Carr holds several franchise records for the Raiders, including career passing yards and touchdowns. In 2023, he joined the New Orleans Saints, continuing his legacy as a top-tier quarterback. Off the field, Carr is deeply involved in community programs and values faith, family, and football.
Key Takeaways:
- Derek Carr's college career at Fresno State set the stage for his NFL success, earning multiple awards and setting records, showcasing his talent and potential as a professional quarterback.
- Known for his leadership on and off the field, Derek Carr's impact extends beyond football, with community involvement and a strong personal legacy that inspires others.
Early Life and College Career
Derek Carr's journey to the NFL began in California, where he was born and raised. His early years and college career laid the foundation for his professional success.
- 01Derek Dallas Carr was born on March 28, 1991, in Bakersfield, California.
- 02Carr played college football at Fresno State University, where he twice received first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors.
- 03During his time at Fresno State, Carr set multiple records, including leading the FBS in total offense and passing yards in 2013.
- 04In 2013, he won the Sammy Baugh Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top collegiate passer.
- 05Carr also received the 2013 CFPA Elite QB Award for his performance over three seasons at Fresno State.
- 06He finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2013.
- 07Carr was a two-time Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
- 08His number is retired by Fresno State, and he received a mural at his college on July 14, 2019.
NFL Draft and Rookie Season
Carr's transition from college to the NFL was marked by his selection in the 2014 draft and an impressive rookie season.
- 09He was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft with the 36th overall pick.
- 10In his rookie season with the Raiders, Carr started all 16 games and threw for 3,270 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
- 11In his first game, he led the Raiders to a game-winning touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs.
- 12Carr set multiple rookie records for the Raiders, including most games started and most completions.
Pro Bowl Selections and Career Achievements
Carr's career has been highlighted by multiple Pro Bowl selections and numerous records, showcasing his consistency and skill.
- 13He has been selected to four Pro Bowls (2015-17, 2022).
- 14Carr helped the Raiders reach the playoffs in 2016 and 2021.
- 15He holds multiple franchise records for the Raiders, including career passing yards, passing touchdowns, and pass completions.
- 16Carr ranks first in the NFL in completion percentage among quarterbacks with over 3,000 attempts.
- 17He is tied for third in the NFL in touchdown passes of 25 or more yards.
- 18Carr ranks fourth in the NFL in passing yards.
- 19He is seventh in the NFL in multi-touchdown pass games.
- 20Carr is among the leaders in fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives.
Career Statistics and Milestones
Carr's career statistics reflect his impact on the field, with impressive numbers in passing yards, touchdowns, and more.
- 21As of 2023, Carr has completed 3,576-of-5,506 passes for 39,100 yards with 242 touchdowns and 107 interceptions.
- 22He has added 885 rushing yards and six touchdowns to his career totals.
- 23Carr has a career passer rating of 92.3.
- 24In 2019, he set career highs in passing yards (4,054), yards per attempt (7.9 avg.), completion percentage (70.4 percent), and passer rating (100.8).
- 25During his time with the Raiders, Carr set multiple team records, including most passing yards in a single season (4,804 in 2021).
Leadership and Community Involvement
Beyond his on-field achievements, Carr is known for his leadership and community involvement, making a positive impact off the field.
- 26He was voted a team captain by the Raiders in 2022.
- 27In 2023, Carr signed with the New Orleans Saints and started all 17 games, bringing stability to the quarterback position.
- 28With the Saints, Carr completed 375-of-548 passes for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a 97.7 passer rating.
- 29Carr is involved in various community programs, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he speaks to youth about Jesus Christ and Christianity.
- 30He believes that faith, family, and football are the most important aspects of his life.
Personal Life and Legacy
Carr's personal life and legacy are integral to understanding his journey and the impact he has made.
- 31Carr is married to Heather Neel, and they have three children together.
- 32He is nicknamed the "Road Warrior" due to his ability to perform well on the road.
- 33In his final season at Fresno State, Carr led the nation in total offense and passing yards.
- 34He became the third player in Mountain West Conference history to win the Player of the Year award in back-to-back seasons.
- 35Carr is one of only two players in Fresno State history to be named a conference offensive player of the year in back-to-back seasons.
- 36He is one of 19 quarterbacks in FBS history to throw for over 10,000 career yards and 100 touchdowns.
- 37Carr’s 113-to-24 career touchdown-to-interception ratio is the second highest in FBS history for all quarterbacks that have thrown over 100 career touchdown passes.
- 38In 2013, he tied for the fourth-most touchdown passes in FBS single-season history with 50.
Professional Milestones and Records
Carr's professional career is marked by numerous milestones and records, solidifying his place in NFL history.
- 39Carr appeared in the 2014 Senior Bowl as the starting quarterback for the South Team.
- 40He participated in the 2014 NFL combine.
- 41Carr became the first Raiders offensive player since 1975 to start the first 47 games of his career.
- 42He is the franchise leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and pass completions.
- 43Carr holds multiple career records, including most completions through his first five seasons and most fourth-quarter comebacks through his first six seasons.
- 44In his rookie season, he set franchise rookie records in every major passing category.
- 45Carr earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2015 and has been selected three more times since then.
- 46He was a team captain for the Raiders in 2022 and has been voted a team captain by the Saints in 2023.
- 47Through his work with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Carr has made a positive impact on the community, speaking to youth about faith and values.
- 48Carr became the third quarterback in history to pass for 3,000-plus yards in each of his first ten seasons, joining Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson.
- 49He holds multiple franchise records, including most games with a passer rating of at least 100.0 and most games with 300-yard passing performances.
- 50Derek Carr is remembered as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Raiders history, and his legacy continues to inspire young players both on and off the field.
Derek Carr's Lasting Impact
Derek Carr's journey from Bakersfield to the NFL showcases his dedication, talent, and resilience. With a college career at Fresno State filled with records and accolades, he transitioned seamlessly to the pros, becoming a cornerstone for the Raiders. His impressive stats, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and franchise records, highlight his skill and consistency. Beyond the field, Carr's commitment to community and faith underscores his character. Now with the New Orleans Saints, he continues to prove his worth, bringing stability and leadership. Carr's legacy isn't just about numbers; it's about inspiring others through his actions and values. As one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Raiders history, his story serves as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the impact one can have both on and off the field. Derek Carr's career remains a beacon of excellence and inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.