From the archive: Derek Carr nearly quit football for preacher’s life before his rookie season

Editor’s note: This story was initially published before the 2019 season. We are sharing it again after Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL.

“God sent the Raiders quarterback, of all people. The Raiders. I sent that dude. A little dude out of Fresno, California. I sent him to be the Raiders quarterback so that maybe people would listen to him. Who else do I have to send to tell you the truth?”

— Derek Carr addressing a gathering during a sermon entitled “Holy Fire” at Brave Church in San Ramon on July 7...