If you’ve spent any time on sports Twitter or scrolled through a college football recruiting board lately, you’ve probably seen the name CJ Carr. He’s the silky-smooth quarterback at Notre Dame with a cannon for an arm and the kind of pocket presence that makes scouts drool. Naturally, the first thing anyone asks is about the name. Carr.
It’s a heavy name in football.
Usually, the conversation goes straight to Derek Carr, the long-time NFL signal-caller. People assume they’re looking at the next generation of that specific Fresno State-to-NFL pipeline. But here is the thing: the connection between CJ Carr related to Derek Carr is basically non-existent.
They aren't related. At all.
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It’s one of those weird sports coincidences where a famous surname and the same position lead everyone down a rabbit hole that doesn’t actually lead anywhere. While Derek Carr was busy slinging it for the Raiders and Saints, CJ was growing up in a completely different—and arguably more "Blue Blood"—football dynasty.
The Michigan Royalty vs. The West Coast Carrs
To understand why the CJ Carr related to Derek Carr rumors persist, you just have to look at the stats. They both play the most visible position in sports. They both have that "pro-style" look. But their family trees couldn't be further apart geographically or historically.
Derek Carr and his brother David (the former No. 1 overall pick) are the faces of a West Coast football family. They are California through and through.
CJ Carr? He is Michigan royalty.
His grandfather is Lloyd Carr. Yes, that Lloyd Carr—the man who coached the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship in 1997. If you grew up in Ann Arbor, Lloyd Carr is essentially a deity. CJ’s father, Jason Carr, also played quarterback for the Wolverines back in the 90s.
Why the confusion happens
Honestly, it’s just the "Quarterback DNA" theory.
- Derek Carr: 4-time Pro Bowler, massive NFL career.
- David Carr: 11 seasons in the NFL, Super Bowl ring with the Giants.
- CJ Carr: Five-star recruit, Elite 11 finalist, now the future of Notre Dame.
When you see a kid with that kind of pedigree and that specific last name, your brain tries to bridge the gap. You've probably heard announcers mention "the Carr family legacy" and assumed they meant the NFL brothers. In reality, they're talking about a grandfather who won 122 games in the Big Ten and a maternal grandfather, Tom Curtis, who is in the College Football Hall of Fame as an All-American safety.
CJ Carr: Breaking the Michigan Mold
The real story isn't that CJ isn't related to Derek; it's that he chose NOT to go to Michigan.
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Living five miles from Michigan Stadium and being the grandson of a coaching legend usually means your path is set. You wear the Maize and Blue. You play in the Big House. Instead, CJ did the unthinkable: he committed to Notre Dame.
It caused a massive stir in the Midwest.
Imagine being Lloyd Carr’s grandson and walking into the kitchen wearing a green Fighting Irish sweatshirt. CJ has joked in interviews about the "verbal jabs" he gets from his grandpa over the rivalry. But that independence is part of what makes him a special prospect. He isn't just following a path laid out by a famous relative—whether that's a hypothetical uncle Derek or a very real grandfather Lloyd.
A Different Kind of Heritage
While the Derek Carr connection is a myth, CJ’s real family story is deeply moving. Most fans don't realize he plays for more than just a trophy.
His younger brother, Chad Carr, passed away in 2015 after a brave battle with DIPG, a rare form of brain cancer. The "ChadTough" foundation has since raised millions for research. If you look closely at CJ's wrist during games, you’ll often see a tattoo or a wristband honoring Chad.
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That kind of perspective changes a player.
When CJ talks about the "pressure" of being a starting quarterback at a place like Notre Dame, he usually shrugs it off. He’s seen real pressure. He’s seen a real fight. Compared to that, a third-and-long against a blitzing linebacker feels pretty small.
What to Expect from CJ Carr at Notre Dame
Now that we've cleared up the "CJ Carr related to Derek Carr" confusion, let's talk about what he actually brings to the field in 2026. He isn't a dual-threat runner in the mold of a Lamar Jackson, but he isn't a statue either.
He’s a processor.
His high school stats at Saline were ridiculous—completing nearly 70% of his passes and throwing for almost 3,000 yards in a season. Scouts love his "NFL-ready" mechanics. He has a quick release that looks eerily similar to—wait for it—Derek Carr.
Maybe that’s why the rumors won't die.
The way the ball jumps off his hand and his ability to layer passes over linebackers into the "turkey hole" along the sideline is very reminiscent of Derek's peak years in Oakland. It's a stylistic match, even if the DNA doesn't align.
Key Performance Indicators for CJ
- Accuracy: He rarely puts the ball in harm's way.
- IQ: Growing up in coach’s meetings has given him a PhD in defensive structures.
- Poise: He doesn't rattle.
How to Follow the "Other" Carr Dynasty
If you're looking for the next Carr to hit the NFL, CJ is the one to watch. His younger brother, Tommy Carr, is also a high-level quarterback prospect who recently made headlines by flipping his commitment to Michigan—finally bringing a Carr back to Ann Arbor.
So, while you won't see Derek Carr at the family Thanksgiving table in Michigan, you are watching the rise of a separate, equally dominant football bloodline.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Tape: Look up CJ Carr's high school highlights at Saline to see why he was a top-5 QB recruit.
- Support the Cause: Check out the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation to understand the legacy CJ carries with him on the field.
- Check the Schedule: Keep an eye on Notre Dame’s depth chart; in the era of the transfer portal and NIL, a talent like CJ Carr doesn't stay on the bench for long.
The name on the back of the jersey is the same, but the story is entirely his own.