Saints quarterback Derek Carr said in a sermon that ‘people are lying’ about him and his shoulder condition.

Overview

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr publicly addressed persistent rumors about his shoulder injury during a guest sermon at Church LV in Las Vegas, emphatically declaring that “people are lying” about the nature and severity of his condition. Carr confirmed he has a documented shoulder injury, presented evidence via an MRI report, and asserted that both he and the Saints organization have been in constant communication about his recovery plan . His remarks came amid swirling media speculation following an NFL Network report suggesting the injury could jeopardize his availability for the 2025 season and that surgery remains a consideration . The quarterback’s sermon not only served to clarify his health status but also highlighted the personal toll of misinformation in the digital age, intertwining his faith, family circumstances, and leadership role within the team.

Background on Derek Carr and His Saints Tenure

Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, joined the New Orleans Saints in 2023 after a decade-long career with the Las Vegas Raiders, compiling 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions . Over two seasons as the Saints’ starter, Carr has posted a 14-13 record, though his 2024 campaign was curtailed to just 10 games due to oblique and hand injuries . Entering the final year of his four-year contract, Carr faced questions about his long-term future with the club amid a coaching change—former Philadelphia offensive coordinator Kellen Moore took over play-calling duties—and intensified fan scrutiny due to inconsistent play and organizational transitions .

The Emergence of Shoulder Injury Speculation

Rumors of Carr’s shoulder issues first emerged when NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on April 11 that Carr might require surgery and risk missing part or all of the 2025 season . The news broke just days before the Saints began Phase 1 of their voluntary offseason workouts, fueling rampant speculation across social media and sports talk shows . Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis publicly acknowledged that Carr had “an issue” with his shoulder and that the team was seeking “clarity” on its severity, but he declined to detail when he first learned of the injury or describe how it occurred .

Carr’s Sermon: Context and Key Quotes

On Sunday, April 27, Carr stood before the congregation at Church LV, where he serves as a regular attendee, to deliver a guest sermon in the “preaching and teaching” series. He prefaced his message by sharing personal challenges, including the couple’s delayed plans to travel to New Orleans when his wife, Heather, experienced a serious health issue and suffered a miscarriage just before their scheduled trip—underscoring the intersection of faith and family in his life . Pivoting to his professional circumstances, Carr declared:

“I hate that I have to say this, but I have to say this: Yes, I have a shoulder injury.”
“I have an MRI report to prove it. The team knows about it. We’ve been in constant communication. There’s nothing wrong. We’re figuring it out and we’re going to go forward with that. Is that OK?”
“I’ve been dealing with people lying about me … and I’m like, ‘Lord, why do I have to continue to deal with this nonsense? Like, what is going on?’ … You never know what someone’s really going through. And so why do we continually try to attack people … trying to do things the right way?”

He also took aim at specific outlets, emphasizing, “despite what ESPN says … And what some lady on a podcast might think, OK?” . Such pointed references underscore Carr’s frustration with what he perceives as inaccurate, sensationalized reporting that overshadows substantive discussion of his health.

Media Coverage and Reactions

National Outlets

• AP News provided comprehensive coverage of Carr’s sermon, highlighting his emotional appeal and contextualizing the injury’s timeline, including his AC joint issue in 2023 that never cost him a game and his missed contests in 2024 due to other injuries .
• Reuters noted Carr’s role in a faith-based teaching series and quoted his direct rebuke of media speculation, while also detailing the Saints’ contractual moves and future planning .
• ESPN’s Katherine Terrell reported that Carr’s sermon marked his first public comments on the shoulder since the initial report, and she underscored his emphasis on faith over football amid personal adversity .

Fan and Analyst Commentary

Social media reactions have been mixed, with some fans applauding Carr’s transparency and others questioning why he chose a sermon platform rather than a formal team setting. Analysts on radio and television have debated whether such public disclosures help or hinder his bargaining power and public perception going into a contract year.

Saints Management and Roster Implications

In late March, the Saints restructured Carr’s contract to create $30.9 million in cap space—moves widely seen as a signal that the organization was bracing for contingencies at the most important position on the team . Just two days prior to Carr’s sermon, New Orleans used their second-round pick (No. 40 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft on Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough, further intensifying speculation about Carr’s role and health . Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has insisted that Carr remains the starter and that the draft strategy was unaffected by the injury, framing Shough’s selection more as a long-term developmental move rather than an immediate replacement decision .

Medical Insights and Future Outlook

Carr’s reference to an MRI report confirms that the injury is real and clinically documented, countering rumors that it was exaggerated or fabricated. Experts note that shoulder injuries in quarterbacks can range from minor AC joint sprains to more serious labral tears requiring surgical intervention. The timeline for recovery can vary significantly: non-operative management typically spans 6–12 weeks of rest and rehabilitation, while labral repairs or other procedures may sideline a player for 4–6 months . As spring and summer workouts progress, Carr and the Saints medical staff are expected to reassess periodically, balancing the benefits of offseason throwing work against the need for healing.

Faith, Public Persona, and Leadership

By choosing a church service to address his injury, Carr blurred the lines between his spiritual convictions and professional obligations. He framed the situation as a test of character, urging fans and media alike to avoid snap judgments and embrace empathy. This approach aligns with Carr’s reputation as a faith-driven leader who has often prioritized community engagement and mentorship off the field. While unconventional, his sermon may strengthen his bond with teammates who value authenticity, even as it invites scrutiny from critics who prefer traditional press conferences.

Comparative Perspective

Carr’s decision to publicly discuss an injury in a sermon setting is rare but not unprecedented. Other high-profile quarterbacks—such as Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson—have navigated injury rumors through vetted team communiqués or guarded interviews. Carr’s candid, faith-focused address contrasts with more guarded disclosures, potentially setting a new precedent for athletes seeking to control their narrative through personal platforms.

Expanded Analysis and Implications

In his April 27 sermon at Church LV, Derek Carr forcefully pushed back against what he called “nonsense” reporting on his shoulder injury, confirming both the existence of the injury and ongoing communication with the New Orleans Saints medical staff . His candid remarks have reverberated beyond faith circles, touching on contract negotiations, roster strategy, and the broader relationship between athletes and the media .

Contract Implications and Cap Management

The Saints’ decision in late March to restructure Carr’s contract—creating $30.9 million in cap space—was widely viewed as insurance against potential unavailability at quarterback . By confirming his injury publicly, Carr may influence future negotiations: if he demonstrates a timely recovery, he could strengthen his case for an extension; if delays persist, the team may re-evaluate long-term commitments . Moreover, Carr’s emphasis on transparency might set a tone for mutual trust in contract talks, reminding all parties that clear medical reporting can mitigate misunderstandings.

Medical Analysis and Expert Opinions

According to multiple reports, Carr’s shoulder issue likely stems from an AC joint sprain first noted in 2023, which was originally described as “week-to-week” and never sidelined him . Sports medicine experts indicate that non-surgical management of such sprains usually requires 6–12 weeks of rest and targeted rehabilitation, while surgical repair—if later deemed necessary—could extend recovery to 4–6 months . Carr’s reference to having an MRI report on hand underscores the severity is sufficient to warrant imaging but not necessarily immediate surgery . Over the next weeks, the Saints’ medical staff will balance offseason throwing routines with protective measures, adjusting Carr’s workload to optimize healing without sacrificing preparation .

Team Dynamics and Depth Chart

New Orleans used their second-round pick (No. 40 overall) on Louisville QB Tyler Shough just days before Carr’s sermon, signaling a desire to develop a contingency plan . Behind Carr, the roster includes Spencer Rattler—signed last year—and Jake Haener, creating a three-quarterback competition that now factors in health status alongside performance . Carr’s public confirmation may alleviate rumors of a covert quarterback takeover, affirming his expectation to enter training camp as the starter while preserving transparency about the team’s depth .

Impact on Offseason Workouts and Draft Room

The timing of Carr’s comments—three days before Phase 1 of voluntary workouts—has particular significance. Players typically use this period to refine mechanics with minimal throw counts; Carr’s shoulder management plan will likely include modified drills and protective taping protocols . Meanwhile, Saints coaching staff and front office personnel will observe closely, gauging both Carr’s physical progress and his team leadership during spring practices. The selection of Shough, combined with Carr’s openness, suggests New Orleans is calibrating for both best-case and worst-case QB scenarios.

Public Perception and Media Relations

By declaring “people are lying” about him, Carr highlighted the emotional toll of speculation driven by social media and 24-hour news cycles . His pointed critique of outlets like ESPN and unnamed podcasters underscores athletes’ growing frustration with what they perceive as sensationalism . Some media analysts have praised Carr’s directness as a form of narrative control, while critics argue that sermons blur professional boundaries and risk alienating fans who prefer standard press conferences. Either way, Carr’s approach adds to a broader trend of players using personal platforms—faith-based or social—to address sensitive topics.

Fan Engagement and Social Media Reaction

Social media sentiment has mirrored the media divide: many fans lauded Carr’s vulnerability and transparency, rallying behind his “prove it” mantra , while others questioned the choice of venue, suggesting the team’s official channels would have been more appropriate. Hashtags like #ProveItCarr and #SaintsFaith trended briefly on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting both support and skepticism. Fan forums have also debated whether such revelations strengthen team unity by demonstrating trust or create unnecessary distractions during a pivotal offseason.

• Outlook for the 2025 Season

Looking ahead, Carr’s recovery trajectory will be pivotal. If managed conservatively, he could enter training camp fully healed, ready to execute Kellen Moore’s offense. If setbacks occur, the Saints may lean on Shough or explore trade options before the season . On-field performance, combined with medical updates, will guide both playoff aspirations and future roster moves. Regardless, Carr’s willingness to confront misinformation head-on has reframed the conversation around his health, placing emphasis on accuracy and accountability as New Orleans strides toward the new campaign.

Conclusion

Derek Carr’s sermon at Church LV served multiple functions: confirming the reality of his shoulder injury, dispelling what he deemed false narratives, and offering a window into his personal trials and convictions. By presenting medical evidence and appealing to communal values of truth and understanding, Carr aimed to reset the conversation ahead of a pivotal offseason for both player and franchise. As the Saints move forward with a restructured roster and coaching staff, the resolution of Carr’s shoulder condition will play a defining role in New Orleans’ quest for postseason success—and Carr’s own legacy in the Crescent City.