Dear Young Derek,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the same passion for football that has driven you all these years. I know you’re on the brink of an incredible journey, and I wanted to offer you some words of wisdom from the future. Fresno State has been the best time of your life and I’m here to tell you it gets even better, but it will also lead to some of the toughest times, too. You’ll be the best quarterback to come out of the draft process, silencing all the critics who said such damaging things about you and your big brother. You’ll also be booed by fans countless times. The NFL is a wonderful, harsh, beautiful, and dreadful journey.
You’re about to embark on a thrilling, and at times, challenging career with the Oakland Raiders. I remember those days vividly, the excitement of being drafted in 2014, and the rollercoaster ride that followed. You’ll experience many ups and downs during your time in the Silver and Black. There will be moments of greatness, like when you led the team to the playoffs in 2016, and you were right in the MVP conversation. Remember those moments because they’ll sustain you through tough times.
There will be moments of frustration too, especially when injuries disrupt your progress. The 2016 season will end in disappointment due to a broken leg, but it’s crucial to remember that adversity will shape you into a stronger and more resilient player and person.
Your journey with the Raiders will take unexpected turns, but it will always be marked by your unwavering commitment to the game. You’ll face criticism, especially about your big contract, and it will be hard to ignore the noise. The pressure to live up to the expectations that come with a hefty deal will feel immense, but stay focused on your craft. Trust your instincts, your work ethic, and the belief that you can overcome any obstacle.
Now, let me fast forward to the present. As I write this, you are a New Orleans Saint, and I’m thrilled to tell you that the struggles you faced in the past with the Raiders will have prepared you for this opportunity. You’ll wear the black and gold, and you’ll be playing with a renewed sense of purpose. The Saints will embrace your talent, and despite the doubts and criticism that followed you, you’ll find your rhythm once again. The world thinks they took a chance on you while many consider you washed up, but the Saints have assured you over and over that this isn’t a chance, you can be the guy you know you are. They see you.
You’ve made it work, Derek, and you’ve silenced the doubters. You’re not just a quarterback; you’re a leader, a superstar. People will talk about your performances on the field, your dedication to your craft, and your resilience in the face of adversity. You’ll be back in the MVP conversation, just like in 2016.
I’m proud of how far you’ve come, and I want you to know that the journey you’re about to embark on is worth every moment, every high, and every low. Embrace it all, stay true to your love for the game, and keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be.
So, young Derek, as you step onto the field in your Raiders jersey, know that the future holds even greater triumphs and challenges. Embrace them with the same passion and determination that brought you to this point.
Sincerely,
Derek Carr
