Derek Carr is an American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL), currently playing for the New Orleans Saints. He is best known for being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft and for his long tenure as the team's starting quarterback.
Derek Dallas Carr was born on March 28, 1991, in Fresno, California, as the youngest of three children to parents Rodger and Sheryl Carr. His family later moved to Sugar Land, Texas, where he initially attended Clements High School. Following another relocation, Carr completed his senior year at Bakersfield Christian High School in California.
During high school, Carr established himself as a standout football player, attracting scholarship offers from several universities including Fresno State, Southern Methodist University, Boise State, the University of Southern California, and UCLA. He ultimately committed to California State University, Fresno (commonly known as Fresno State), where he honored his verbal commitment after graduating high school in 2009. He was also named the 2009 National Player of the Year by the National Private Schools Athletic Association.
Carr began his collegiate football career at Fresno State in 2009. He was redshirted his freshman year under head coach Pat Hill, who opted to start Ryan Colburn as quarterback. In 2011, Carr took over as the starting quarterback and led the team for three consecutive seasons. Over his college career, he threw for 12,843 yards and 113 touchdowns. His accomplishments included being named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, winning the 2013 College Football Performance Awards Elite Quarterback Award, and receiving the Sammy Baugh Trophy.
Derek Carr was selected by the Oakland Raiders as the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. On May 21, 2014, he signed a four-year contract worth $5.37 million, which included a $2.2 million signing bonus. Carr quickly solidified his role as the team's starting quarterback and became known for his strong arm and leadership. Between 2014 and 2017, he posted impressive statistics, helping revitalize a struggling franchise and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
Though his performance experienced fluctuations due to team changes and injuries, Carr remained a consistent presence for the Raiders. In 2017, he signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the team, at the time making him the highest-paid player in NFL history. In September 2019, during a Week 2 matchup, Carr threw two interceptions in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite setbacks, he continued to lead the franchise until 2022, after which he signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. As of 2024, Derek Carr’s net worth is estimated to be over $80 million, based on career earnings and endorsements.
Derek Carr is married to Heather Neel. The couple held a Christian wedding ceremony on June 29, 2012. Together, they have two children, sons Dallas and Deker Luke. Carr often speaks openly about the importance of family and faith in his life, which remain central to his off-the-field identity.
| Net Worth 2021: | 20 million |
