CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF
Fresno State’s all-time leading passer, Derek Carr, is returning to campus Sept. 2 to have his No. 4 jersey retired during a halftime ceremony, the team announced Monday.
“I am deeply honored that my alma mater, Fresno State, will be retiring my No. 4 jersey,” Carr said in a statement. “It is very humbling and exciting for me as it has been a childhood dream. I am looking forward to returning to Bulldog Stadium on September 2!”
Carr, a two-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year (2012-13), established 27 new school and 21 conference records in his career at Fresno State before being drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He was a three-year starter who helped the Bulldogs win back-to-back Mountain West championships in his final two seasons, which included an 11-2 campaign his senior year that matched the school record for wins in a season and rose the team to as high as No. 13 in the national rankings.
“Having the honor of retiring a second Carr jersey in Bulldog Stadium is a momentous event and one that Fresno State and our fans will always cherish,” said Fresno State Athletics Director Jim Bartko. “We are so very appreciative of what Derek and his family continue to do in support of our community. September 2 will be a special and memorable day in our program’s history.”
Carr’s jersey will be just the seventh retired in the 95-year history of the program. The other six players with the honor of having their names displayed on the west side of Bulldog Stadium include brother and fellow quarterback David Carr (No. 8), quarterback Trent Dilfer (No. 12), wide receiver Henry Ellard (No. 83), running back Dale Messer (No. 21), kicker Vince Petrucci (No. 14) and quarterback Kevin Sweeney (No. 9).
“We are excited to pay tribute to NFL star and alumnus, Derek Carr, by retiring his jersey at our season opener,” said Fresno State President Joseph Castro. “Derek is proof that student-athletes can be successful in the classroom, on the field, and in our community. His success demonstrates that when academics and athletics rise together, the sky’s the limit – a message that is inspiring today’s students.”
If the Red Wave is to see No. 4 on the gridiron ever again, future student-athletes will have to request permission from the Carr family to wear that number following a conversation with the head coach discussing the importance of it. After that time, the head coach would seek permission on behalf of the student-athlete. This policy is the same for all Fresno State Athletics’ teams and their retired jerseys.