In a deeply personal and emotional announcement, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has revealed that he will be stepping away from all team activities effective immediately to spend time with his mother, who is reportedly battling a serious health condition.
Carr, 33, made the announcement Thursday morning via a heartfelt message shared across his social media platforms, asking for privacy, prayers, and understanding during this difficult time.
“Family has always come first for me,” Carr wrote. “Right now, my mother is going through something no one should have to face alone. I’ve made the decision to step away from football for the time being so I can be by her side, support her, and walk through this with her as a son, not just an athlete.”
While Carr did not disclose specific details about his mother’s condition, sources close to the family have confirmed that she has recently been diagnosed with a serious illness requiring ongoing treatment and care. The quarterback has reportedly been traveling back and forth between New Orleans and California over the past several weeks.
TEAM STATEMENT
The New Orleans Saints issued a brief statement in support of Carr’s decision:
“We fully support Derek in prioritizing his family during this time. He is not just a leader on the field, but a man of deep conviction and strong values. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his mother, and the entire Carr family. We will be here when he’s ready to return.”
Head coach Dennis Allen also commented, saying Carr’s leadership and strength of character have never been more evident:
“Derek’s commitment to this team has always been unwavering. But some things are bigger than football. He’s doing what any son would do, and we stand behind him 100%.”
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE SAINTS
Carr’s absence, depending on its length, could have significant implications for the Saints as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. Offseason workouts are just beginning, and the team had been building momentum behind Carr after a strong finish to the 2024 campaign.
Backup quarterback Jake Haener is expected to take first-team reps in Carr’s absence, with veteran Taysom Hill remaining in the rotation for hybrid packages.
Despite the potential disruption to football operations, players and coaches have voiced unanimous support for Carr’s decision. Star wide receiver Chris Olave tweeted shortly after the announcement:
“All love for you, brother. Family first. We got you.”
COMMUNITY AND FAN RESPONSE
The response from fans and the NFL community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Tributes and messages of encouragement poured in across social media, with hashtags like #PrayersForCarrFamily and #FamilyFirstDC4 trending within hours.
Several current and former players, including Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby, and Drew Brees, shared words of solidarity, reminding the public that athletes are human too.
“Football can wait. Mom comes first — always,” Brees wrote.
LOOKING AHEAD
Carr did not provide a specific timeline for his return, emphasizing that his focus is entirely on his mother’s health and spending quality time with her in the days ahead.
“I love this game. I love my teammates. And I will be back when the time is right. But for now, my heart is with my family. I know the Saints family understands that.”
As the Saints prepare for a new season, they do so with the understanding that one of their most important players is walking through one of life’s most difficult chapters. And in true New Orleans fashion, they’ll be lifting him up — not just as a quarterback, but as a son, a leader, and a man standing by his family.
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