FRESNO – At Fresno State football’s home opener on September 2, the Bulldogs’ all-time leading passer, Derek Carr (2009-13), will be in attendance as the University is set to retire his No. 4 jersey during a halftime ceremony. It will be the seventh retired jersey in the 95-year history of the program.

Carr, entering his fourth season with the Oakland Raiders, will make his way back to the Valley following the team’s final preseason game on Aug. 31 in Oakland. Week one of the NFL regular season is September 10.

"I am deeply honored that my alma mater, Fresno State, will be retiring my No. 4 jersey,” said Carr. “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!"

The two-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year (2012-13) and two-time All-American (2012-13) established 27 new school and 21 Mountain West records in his career at Fresno State. 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 joins six others to receive the honor of having their names displayed on the west side of Bulldog Stadium, which include 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 Joseph Castro, President of Fresno State. “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. Special thanks to Valley Children’s Healthcare for providing Derek Carr themed t-shirts to fans who come out to enjoy the game, cheer on our student-athletes, and celebrate this major milestone.”

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.

Those future Bulldogs will learn that the No. 4 was worn by arguably the greatest quarterback in Fresno State history. Carr led the nation in 2013 in total offense (5,199), total passing yards (5,082), passing yards per game (390.9), passing touchdowns (50) completions per game (34.85), touchdowns responsible for (52), total points responsible for (302) and points responsible for per game (24.2). Additionally, he was responsible for 44 more touchdowns than he was turnovers in 2013, a figure that led all FBS players by four. Carr went on to receive the 2013 Sammy Baugh Award, which goes to the nation's top passer.

Carr is one of just 21 quarterbacks in FBS history to throw for over 10,000 career yards and 100 touchdowns. Carr is also just one of four QBs in FBS history to throw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in a season.

His 113-to-24 career touchdown-to-interception ratio (4.71) is the third highest in FBS history for all quarterbacks that have thrown over 100 career touchdown passes. Only Oregon’s Marcus Mariota (2012-14) and Boise State's Kellen Moore (2008-11) have had higher ratios.

Carr had 20 300-yard passing games, 11 400-yard passing games, 14 games with four or more touchdown passes and seven games with five or more touchdown passes in his career.

Not only did Carr excel on the football field during his career at Fresno State, he also took care of business in the classroom too. He became the fifth Academic All-American in school history when he was a Capital One Academic All-America second-team selection as a senior and he was also named a 2013 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete, becoming just the third player in school history to receive the high academic distinction.

Valley Children’s Healthcare to honor Derek Carr with Fresno State

In celebration of the retirement of Derek Carr’s jersey, Valley Children’s Healthcare is proud to serve as the official halftime sponsor of the September 2 game. To commemorate the evening, a limited edition commemorative Derek Carr No. 4 t-shirt, sponsored by Valley Children’s Healthcare, will be provided to every fan in attendance. Only those Red Wave fans in attendance will have the opportunity to secure the special giveaway.

“Valley Children’s is honored to be part of this special evening honoring Derek’s legacy at Fresno State” said Todd Suntrapak, CEO and President of Valley Children’s Healthcare. “While Derek continues to demonstrate his athletic gifts on the field, even more powerful is the immeasurable impact he has on the lives of those around him through his generosity of time, faith, compassion, servant leadership and genuine commitment to giving back to his community. We congratulate the entire Carr family and are honored to have Derek as part of the Valley Children’s team.”

Bulldog football ticket options (559-278-3647)

• Single-game September 2 flash sale: 4 tickets for $44 in section 4 for a limited time.
• 2017 Football Season Ticket Holders can request 2 additional complimentary tickets to the home opener on September 2. Tickets will be assigned in the bench seat areas of Bulldog Stadium. Exact seat location will be determined by the ticket office and no seating requests will be taken. The season ticket account and the BDF donation associated with the account must be paid in full at the time of mailing. Tickets will be mailed to the address that appears on the season ticket account. To take advantage, fans must make the request by August 3 at 5 p.m.
• Season tickets can still be purchased for as low as $99.
• Four and three game mini-plans are on-sale. Both plans include the BYU game on November 4 and all other games are available for choosing.
• Single-game tickets for all games go on sale August 5 (online only) and by phone and web on August 7.
• The Bulldog ticket office can reached at 559-278-3647 or visit GoBulldogs.com. The office is located at 2650 E. Shaw Ave. (Fresno, CA 93740), on the Northeast corner of the Save Mart Center, marked by a red awning labeled "Bulldog Ticket Office." Office Hours are Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160