Bros before throws; the Carr brothers look to the future
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Carr brothers have arguably the most recognizable name in Central Valley sports. Younger brother, Derek, is about to embark on his rookie season with the Oakland Raiders.
Derek and David Carr have established themselves as two of the greatest Fresno State footballers ever. And while Derek is the one just starting his NFL journey he can thank older brother, David, for preparing him for his new adventure post-Fresno State.
These days Derek Carr can still be seen rocking a red jersey to go along with his recognizable number four. The only difference is it's not the Bulldog red many of us are accustomed to seeing.
Fresno State's all-time leading passer won't be throwing touchdowns for the Bulldogs anymore. Fortunately for the Red Wave they don't have to go far to watch him again in person.
"My number one goal is what can I do to help the raiders win," said Carr. "That's my goal. However I can do that, that's good for me. And if the Raiders win for a long time and I was just able to be a part of it, than I can smile from ear to ear."
Derek is Oakland's quarterback of the future. And it's been a long journey. In 2002's NFL draft he was the little guy standing next to big brother. David Carr was the number one overall pick out of Fresno State that year and spent the next 11 seasons in the NFL. Derek made sure to take notes along the way until his own name was called in 2014.
"I've learned so much from my brother, which has made the transition easier," said Carr. "But now I'm there on my own. And it's good for me. Gave me a few more hairs on my chest, to do it on my own a little bit.
The Carr family name is as popular a name you'll find in Central California. Much of that of course, is what the guys have done on the football field. But it's how they conduct themselves off the field that resonates with so many people. Both guys are devout Christians and don't apologize for it.
Separated by more than ten years, the two act more like twins than they do older and younger brother.
The guys have quite at following on social media after posting hilarious videos on Instagram. They even poke fun at themselves.
"It's real. I mean it's not like a publicity deal," said older brother David. "It's not like sometimes. I know Eli and Peyton are kind of close. I've known both of them for a long time. But they're not super close. They're separated by some years, but not as many as us. But for some reason our families have always been tight, and our families have always been close and stuck together."
These two love sharing the spotlight with each other, but very soon one will shine brighter on Derek. As for his aspirations with the silver and black? He has a message for the Raider Nation and the Black Hole.
"I'm very passionate," said Derek Carr. "Whether that results in touchdowns and wins, or picks and losses? I don't know. But they're going to get everything that I have. That way when I walk off the field whether it's a standing ovation or people throwing batteries at me, it doesn't matter to me."
