After much prayer and consideration, Ive decided that its time to turn the page on my career in the NFL. It feels surreal to be moving on from this 20-year stint of lacing up the cleats every fall, but Im committed to following the voice of God, and it has become clear that up ahead He has a new and exciting future prepared for my family and me.

(Photo courtesy of Austin Carr)

To all the coaches, staff members and teammates along the way, I hold nothing but gratefulness in my heart for all the ways youve challenged and refined me.

To my agent, Carter, and the team, thank you for believing in and advocating for me from beginning to end.

To my family, words cannot express how grateful I am for your love, sacrifice and support from youth football practices on Springs Road to the Superdome on Sundays.

To my bride, Erica, youve played so many roles and put on so many hats for my sake, Im frequently humbled by how undeserving I am of your love.

And to the Lord, who has protected, guided and loved me all along, You are eternally worthy of all glory, honor and praise from these undeserving lips. Truly, I can sing with the psalmist, Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! (Psalm 115:1).

A wise man once said, If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat. Its not always easy, but its always right for us to put our total trust in Jesus Christ. Heres to the next season of life, stepping out onto the water of His calling.

Best, Austin

Austin Carr is a 27-year-old wide receiver who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017, when he initially signed with the New England Patriots. He was cut after the preseason and subsequently picked up by the New Orleans Saints, with whom he spent all four seasons of his NFL career. Previously, he was a walk-on standout at Northwestern (2012-16) after becoming the all-time rushing and scoring leader at Benicia (California) High School.

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Austin Carr announces retirement from NFL, 'following the voice of God' - sportsspectrum.com