Jon Gruden breaks silence with emotional message to Derek Carr after retirement

Jon Gruden and Derek Carr shared both highs and lows during their time together with the Raiders, but the former head coach played a key role in shaping Carr’s NFL journey. Following Carr’s retirement announcement, Gruden posted an emotional message that made it clear the bond between the two still runs deep.

“Congratulations on a great career. You showcased incredible mental toughness and preparation for over a decade. I love you and enjoyed our time. Keep shredding!” Gruden wrote on X.The message wasn’t surprising, but it did spark mixed reactions among fans.

Responding to Gruden’s message, a fan argued the Raiders “failed to put a team around” Derek Carr, suggesting the quarterback was a “top 10 QB for a while” whose impact was limited by “dysfunction.”

How long were Gruden and Carr together in the NFL?

Gruden and Carr worked together from 2018 to 2021 during Gruden’s second stint as head coach of the Raiders. The team never reached the playoffs under Gruden, who resigned after a 3-2 start in 2021. Interim coach Rich Bisaccia would eventually guide Carr and the Raiders to the postseason that year.

Derek Carr after his first victory without Jon Gruden as head coach

Despite never posting a winning season together, the best campaign Carr and Gruden managed was an 8-8 finish in 2020 — a year that offered glimpses of potential despite internal inconsistency. Carr retires from the NFL with a 77–92 career record.

Carr’s legacy: steady production, even without a title

While Carr never won a Super Bowl, his numbers tell the story of a steady, productive quarterback. Over 169 starts between 2014 and 2024, Carr threw for 257 touchdowns, 41,245 yards, and only 112 interceptions — a strong résumé despite the lack of postseason success.