Derek Carr
A durable and prolific quarterback who became the Oakland Raiders' all-time passing leader, embodying the franchise's resilience through a period of constant change.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American football player·Birthday: March 28·Millennials
Biography
Derek Carr's NFL story is one of steady production and quiet leadership amidst organizational chaos. Drafted in the second round by the Oakland Raiders, he was immediately thrust into the starting role for a franchise struggling to find its footing. With a quick release and notable toughness, Carr rewrote the Raiders' record books, setting new marks for passing yards and touchdowns. He led the team to its first playoff appearance in over a decade in 2016, a season that showcased his clutch play and earned him MVP consideration. His tenure, however, was marked by frequent coaching changes, front-office overhauls, and the franchise's relocation to Las Vegas. Through it all, Carr maintained a consistent level of performance, starting every game for nine consecutive seasons—a testament to his durability and professionalism—before embarking on the next chapter of his career with the New Orleans Saints.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Derek was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Derek Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Derek's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders' all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns.
- Selected to four Pro Bowls (2015, 2016, 2017, 2022) over his career.
- Led the Raiders to a 12-4 record and a playoff berth in 2016, finishing third in NFL MVP voting that season.
Did You Know?
His older brother, David Carr, was the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft and also played quarterback.
He played college football at Fresno State, where he set numerous school records and wore number 4, which he also wore with the Raiders.
He is a devout Christian and has been open about his faith throughout his career.
“I want to be the best teammate this game has ever seen. That's my goal.”
