Derek Carr isn’t letting Michael Thomas’s criticism get to him. On Sunday, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave took a hard hit while attempting to catch a high pass from Carr over the middle. The impact left Olave down on the field for several minutes, and he had to be carted off due to the severity of the injury.
Shortly after the incident, former Saints receiver Michael Thomas took to social media to express his displeasure, directly criticizing Carr’s performance as a quarterback.
Thomas implied that the risky pass was responsible for Olave’s concussion, fueling a wave of debate among fans and analysts.
After the Saints suffered a narrow 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers, Carr was asked about Thomas’s heated comments. The quarterback responded in a manner that demonstrated poise and maturity, avoiding any escalation of the situation.
“I have love for Mike,” Carr said when asked about his former teammate’s remarks. “When he does that, I don’t really care for it, obviously. I’ve had so many teammates over the years, and he’s like the one dude that didn’t get along with me. I honestly don’t know what I did to him, or why he feels that way. I’m sorry for whatever he’s dealing with that makes him feel like he has to do that.”
Carr went on to share that, despite the public nature of Thomas’s grievances, the former Saints receiver has never reached out to him directly to discuss their differences. However, Carr himself has tried to connect with Thomas on several occasions, showing a willingness to make amends. He also expressed no ill will towards his former teammate, adding, “I wish Mike the best. I hope he finds a team where he can thrive.”
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Michael Thomas, now 31, is currently a free agent. He last played for the Saints in 2023, with Carr as his quarterback. Though his season was cut short by injuries, Thomas managed to record 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown in the 10 games he played.
Despite his frustrations and recent social media outbursts, Thomas’s talent remains undeniable, and many are curious to see where he will land next.
Carr’s response to the situation highlighted his leadership and unwillingness to let personal drama distract him or the team.
Instead of firing back, he took the high road, offering a message of empathy and understanding—a response that resonated with many Saints fans, who appreciated his class and focus on the bigger picture.
As Carr moves forward, he appears focused on the task at hand: leading the Saints through a challenging season and supporting his teammates on and off the field.
The incident with Michael Thomas is just another bump along the way, one that Carr seems determined not to let derail his commitment to the team.
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