David Kerr recently had some time to connect with his younger brother, Derek Kerr, who previously played quarterback for the Saints and Raiders.
As a former No. 1 draft pick with the Texans, David was amazed at how often his ex-teammates and coaches had to pause their golf games to reach out to Derek and share their admiration.
“There were constant notifications on his phone, ringing from former coaches and players he’d faced. It was non-stop,” he said. “He just put them on speakerphone and didn’t really engage in a full conversation. It was remarkable to see how much of an impact he made on those around him. It’s not just about winning or losing on the field; it’s about the influence you have on people. I was surprised by the sheer number of folks who genuinely cared for him.”
During their time together, they reflected on why Derek chose to step away from football after 11 seasons. David, who is 45, believes this marks a pivotal moment for Derek, especially after struggling with a troublesome shoulder injury.
Tom Brady’s retirement after the 2021 season was brief, as he returned for another year with the Buccaneers just weeks later.
“I think he’s really done this time. Derek loves the game, but what he truly cherishes are his teammates and the camaraderie they shared,” David mentioned.
“He’s definitely moved on and I can tell he’s ready for this new chapter. His kids are growing up, and I think that plays a role.”
Derek, who spent nine seasons with the Raiders and two with the Saints, opted against shoulder surgery that could have helped him return to form, ultimately deciding to retire instead.
His required surgery would have addressed significant issues with his rotator cuff, as outlined in a statement from the Saints.
The team further indicated that there was no assurance that Derek could regain his previous level of performance and shoulder strength.
“That wasn’t an easy choice,” David explained. “It took a lot of soul-searching. There were several factors to consider; his kids are getting older, and the state of his shoulder just complicated things further. But honestly, he seems content with where he’s at right now.”
Derek’s decision caught many off guard, especially since he was set to earn over $30 million this season.
There was an agreement in place for a $10 million roster bonus from March, which he forfeited by stepping away from the game.
David commended his brother for prioritizing family over financial gain.
“He could have easily chosen the money. I mean, from a player’s perspective, he could’ve thought, ‘Let’s get through this surgery and finish the season; just send me the paycheck,'” David noted. “But for him, it was never about that. I understand his focus on family more than anything else. It’s about recovery and finding happiness in other things.”
“Derek worked closely with (Saints general manager) Mickey (Loomis) and eventually decided against having the surgery. He wasn’t keen on the rehab process and didn’t want to risk not being able to contribute. Now, he’s found joy again, particularly on the golf course.”
Still, David does have a concern about Derek having too much free time.
“It’s a bit daunting, honestly, because he’s so good at golf, and I feel like I need to step up my game,” he joked.
