Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr isn’t just one of those “nominal” Christian athletes that simply plays to the camera after a victory and exaggerates his relationship with God. When he says something about the Lord Jesus Christ in public, he means it.
After a recent Sunday victory, Carr deflected any credit for his team’s undefeated record, saying fame is “fleeting” and adding that his purpose is to “glorify” God no matter what happens. The Raiders defeated Miami in overtime 31-28 to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2002, with Carr completing 26 of 43 passes for 386 yards and two touchdowns.
In a postgame Fox interview on national television, Carr refused to take credit. Told that he’s playing like an MVP with confidence and command, the Raiders quarterback responded, “I’ve been through this before when I snapped my ankle with fans chanting MVP and all that kind of stuff.”
“All of the self-glory – that stuff is fleeting,” Carr said. “I’ve already been through that. God took me to a place that all I want to do is glorify Him, and wherever He’s going, that’s where I want to go. And so, if it’s a win, awesome. If it’s not, I’m still going to glorify Him.
Shortly after entering the NFL in 2014, Carr shared his testimony and what led him to fully commit his life to Jesus. “I remember at that moment I felt so selfish, so arrogant, so cocky,” he says. “I got down on my knees and it was finally at that time where God kind of put His foot on my throat and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got special plans for you and you’re screwing it up.'”
“I’m just thankful,” Carr said. “This crowd, this city – they’ve really taken us in. It’s been awesome.”