Derek Carr, the all-time passing leader for the Las Vegas Raiders, decided to hang up the cleats recently. Due to a shoulder injury that depleted his ability to play, Carr came to the heartbreaking decision. The New Orleans Saints now have to roll out a different quarterback for the 2025 season. Although he is beloved by many within Raider Nation, he has not signed a one-day contract to retire as a Raider.
Nonetheless, the motto remains strong: “Once a Raider, always a Raider.”
The former Fresno State quarterback had many memorable moments for the team. His selection in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft significantly altered the roster’s trajectory. In many ways, he became the face of Raiders football for the next decade. Whether it was for good or bad will be up for debate for years to come.
What were Derek Carr’s defining moments?
Derek Carr’s 513 Yard Performance Against The Buccaneers
In 2016, the hype was real around the Silver and Black. On October 30, the team flew to Tampa to play a struggling Buccaneers team. The star quarterback for the Raiders was now at the height of his abilities.
The philosophy was simple. Pass until Carr could not throw anymore. A young Amari Cooper was the leader in this passing onslaught. He finished this game with 12 receptions, 173 yards, and one receiving touchdown. Furthermore, his teammate, Michael Crabtree, contributed eight receptions and a total of 108 yards.
513 passing yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions was the ending tally. While these are outrageous numbers, the Raiders needed every yard they could get. The game ended on a 41-yard bomb to Seth Roberts in overtime, scoring a touchdown. 2016 was also a wonderful season, as the quarterback finished third in Most Valuable Player voting.
Stunning The Baltimore Ravens
Due to the pandemic fan restrictions, Allegiant Stadium was not open to the public until 2021. But the debut would not be easy. The 2019 NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson, is the most exhilarating player in the league, and his team had just won 11 games in 2020.
However, the team fought through a 14-point deficit in another overtime thriller. This one came in a much-needed clutch situation. Baltimore played an all-out blitz, hoping to rattle Carr. Despite all the pressure in his face, he backpedaled and launched the ball off his back foot. Zay Jones runs underneath and ends the game in style. The result was the first win in Las Vegas in Raiders history.
The Never-Ending Game: Thursday Night Against The Chiefs
Battling the Chiefs is always must-watch television. All things considered, these games have not gone in favor of the Silver and Black recently. Additionally, this rivalry usually creates tight matchups. This night was no different.
On a Thursday night, Kansas City’s up-and-coming team faced their fiercest rival—led by Carr. Alex Smith led the Chiefs, with Kareem Hunt in the backfield. Carr finished the game with 337 passing yards and two touchdowns.
One pass was more important than them all. With three seconds left, every fan believed Jared Cook broke the plane and scored a touchdown. However, a review overruled the touchdown, deeming it short. These events led to a continuous chain of pass interferences that extended the game. The game ultimately came down to a single play with no remaining time.
He rolled left and threw a low pass to Crabtree at the pylon. The throw would tie the game and lead to the winning extra point.
Ending The Chargers’ Playoff Dreams—The Timeout Meme
Before the last game of the 2021 season, there was one narrative. If the Raiders and Chargers tie, they both will make the playoffs. It seemed that this would become a reality.
Justin Herbert relentlessly fought to keep his team in the game. Third-down conversion. Fourth down conversion. The distance was not a factor. Another overtime for the all-time passing leader to perform. After both teams received the ball in overtime, a tie seemed inevitable.
However, everything changed when the Chargers’ head coach called a timeout in an attempt to win the game. This forced the Raiders to earn a first down. Instead of conceding and neither team losing, Carr smirked as he signaled for a timeout. This would lead to a game-winning field goal, sending Las Vegas to the playoffs and Los Angeles packing.
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