The Carr family has emerged as a significant presence in the world of football, celebrated not only for their achievements but also for their resilience in the face of personal tragedy. CJ Carr, who previously shone as a star quarterback at Saline, is now making headlines as the starting quarterback for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In his inaugural season, he has led the Irish to a commendable 9-2 record, placing them on the brink of a College Football Playoff berth, currently sitting at ninth in the nation. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Tommy Carr, has completed his senior year at Saline and has proudly committed to play for the University of Michigan—the same school that both brothers passionately supported while growing up.
The Carr family’s ties to Michigan are profound. Parents Jason and Tammi are proud alumni, with Jason having played quarterback for the Wolverines. This legacy is further enriched by their grandfather, Lloyd Carr, who served as Michigan’s head coach for 13 seasons. As such, Michigan football was a fundamental part of the Carr household.
Yet, the family dynamic is complex and heartwarming, particularly with their younger brother, Chad. While CJ and Tommy were dedicated to sports, Chad often found joy in rooting for rival teams, bringing an element of playful rivalry into the family. Tragically, the Carr family faced the heartbreaking loss of Chad, who passed away at just five years old after battling pediatric brain cancer, a loss that deeply affected them all.
In a touching tribute for the tenth anniversary of Chad’s passing, CJ Carr shared cherished memories in a heartfelt letter published in The Players’ Tribune. He reflected on their childhood, recalling how Chad, even at three years old, delighted in teasing his brothers during Michigan games. “He just loved getting under our skin,” CJ fondly remembered, capturing the spirit of his mischievous little brother.
CJ reminisced about the infectious laughter and joyful antics that Chad brought to their family. He recalled moments when Chad would chase him with bugs or initiate dance-offs to popular songs, demonstrating his ability to spark laughter and lightness. CJ also shared a charming story about how the family welcomed a mini-labradoodle, named “Tootie” after an amusing incident, to serve as a companion for Chad, showcasing his brother’s knack for finding humor in simple moments.
Although CJ considered the University of Michigan during his recruiting journey, he ultimately chose to attend Notre Dame—a decision that raised eyebrows given the family’s deep-rooted connections to Michigan. Reflecting on his choice, CJ suggested that Chad’s spirit encouraged him to pursue an unconventional path, saying, “Maybe he kind of took some of that light and put it into Tommy and me.”
In honor of Chad’s legacy, the Carr family established the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation to promote research and support for those battling the same disease that took Chad too soon. As CJ enjoys a successful season with 21 passing touchdowns and a national ranking of 15, he draws strength from Chad’s memory, stating, “Chad continues to be a huge source of inspiration for me.” CJ emphasized how his brother’s courageous fight has helped reshape his understanding of challenges, affirming, “If Chad could go through chemo and still keep a smile on his face … I can absolutely choose to do hard things.” The enduring influence of Chad’s spirit continues to guide the Carr brothers as they navigate their respective journeys in football and life, reminding us all of the power of resilience and love in the face of adversity.