Charting the Legacy: CJ Carr's Path Through Football and Family Ties
The Kickoff of Expectations: Notre Dame's Season with CJ Carr
The 2026 college football season for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is set to commence with a highly anticipated match on Sunday night, September 6th, as they face the Wisconsin Badgers. Guiding the team's offense will be CJ Carr, a quarterback who carries immense expectations, recognized as one of the nation's premier returning talents. The Fighting Irish, with Carr at the helm, are not just aiming to reach the College Football Playoff, but to triumphantly secure the championship title.
Unraveling Family Connections: CJ Carr's Relationship to Lloyd Carr
CJ Carr's surname often sparks curiosity among football enthusiasts regarding his family's ties to the sport. It is confirmed that Lloyd Carr, a legendary figure in Michigan coaching history, is indeed CJ's grandfather. This connection notably created an interesting dynamic when CJ opted to play for the Fighting Irish, a rival of Michigan. The family's deep roots in Michigan football extend further: CJ's maternal grandfather, Tom Curtis, was an All-American safety for Michigan and is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, CJ's father, Jason, served as a backup quarterback for the Wolverines from 1992 to 1995, underscoring a profound Michigan heritage.
The Michigan Connection: CJ's Brother at Wolverines
Despite CJ's choice to play for Notre Dame, the Carr family's legacy at Michigan continues through his younger brother, Tommy Carr, who has joined the Wolverines' program. This ensures that the esteemed family name remains present within the Michigan football landscape.
Clarifying Distant Relatives: CJ Carr's Non-Connection to Derek and David Carr
It is important to clarify that CJ Carr shares no direct familial relation with NFL quarterbacks Derek Carr or his brother, David Carr. The Carr brothers, Derek and David, hail from California and belong to a distinct lineage, separate from CJ's family tree. This distinction helps to clear up common misconceptions about their relationships within the football world.
Insights into CJ Carr: A Rising Star's Journey and Achievements
CJ, whose full name is Curtis Jason Carr, is a native of Saline, Michigan, where he distinguished himself as a four-star recruit in high school football. During his senior year, he showcased remarkable talent, throwing for 2,754 yards and 24 touchdowns. His collegiate career at Notre Dame began in 2024, where he redshirted while Riley Leonard led the team. In 2025, after Leonard's departure to the NFL and Steve Angeli's transfer to Syracuse, Carr successfully secured the starting quarterback position, prevailing over Kenny Minchey. That season, he led the Fighting Irish to a 10-2 record, completing 66.6% of his passes for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns, alongside just six interceptions. He also contributed three rushing touchdowns. With such a promising start, Carr is projected to be a strong NFL Draft prospect, though his immediate focus remains on achieving his collegiate goals at Notre Dame.
