CJ Carr’s Journey to Notre Dame: A Family Legacy and Personal Path

Tammi Carr recalls her son’s intense gaze from the sideline as he watched his friends play tackle football. The Carr family had a rule: their oldest son had to wait until seventh grade to play tackle football. They believed hits were unnecessary before then. So CJ Carr and his friends played flag football, coached by their fathers, until sixth grade, when other parents allowed a switch to tackle. CJ pleaded with his parents, “Just let me play!” Their response was firm: “Nope.” CJ had to wait another year. While his friends played tackle football, CJ attended their games, helping with first-down markers, and silently protesting with his eyes at his parents. Finally, they allowed him to play the following year. “I put the pads on, played our first game, and I was like, ‘I’m never taking this off,’” Carr said. “I want to go to practice every day, all day. I want to watch film. I cannot get enough of the sport.”

In many ways, Carr’s football journey seemed destined. As the grandson of two College Football Hall of Famers, he didn’t play with toys much and wasn’t excited about Christmas presents, unless they were balls. His passion for football grew through watching games in box seats at historic stadiums and rewinding plays on TV. Behind the scenes, his father Jason Carr, a former college player and coach, guided him from early on, starting him on film study while playing flag football.

That Carr ended up as the starting quarterback at Notre Dame was unexpected for the family. Raised in Saline, Michigan, close to Ann Arbor, he grew up with two grandfathers who were Michigan football legends. Tammi’s father, Tom Curtis, was an All-America safety for the Wolverines, while Jason’s father, Lloyd Carr, led Michigan for 13 seasons, winning five Big Ten titles and the 1997 national championship. Both CJ and his brother Tommy seemed set for Michigan, but CJ chose Notre Dame, known for its rivalry with Michigan. After a redshirt season, he began shaping his legacy in South Bend, Indiana.

In 2025, CJ Carr’s first season as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback ended with impressive stats: 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns. His performance earned him second-team freshman All-America honors. Previously supported by standout running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, Carr faces 2026 alone under greater scrutiny as they transition to the NFL. The season kicks off against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, with Notre Dame ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP poll and aiming for the CFP championship. Carr’s preseason Heisman contender status amplifies the spotlight. After a recent practice, Carr acknowledged that he occupies a notable position this season, stating, “This is the greatest university in the country, and you’re playing the greatest sport in America…I’m super grateful to be here and be the starting quarterback at Notre Dame.” Carr expressed gratitude for being part of the team, while shrugging off external expectations from outsiders, focusing instead on his fellow athletes’ perceptions.

CJ Carr’s upbringing instilled mental toughness. As a child, he learned to focus on success without excuses, despite difficult emotional challenges growing up. Competitive and intense about sports, his father taught him resilience. Carr remembers crying on the bench after errors in baseball, but his father would remind him of the printed definition of mental toughness. CJ gradually embraced the concept, recognizing its importance at times of competition.

Jason Carr, his father’s silent guidance influenced CJ’s early sports career. CJ’s childhood revolved around backyard games with Jason and his younger brother Tommy. They aimed high with The Amazing Catch Game, resulting in pants ruined by holes and stains, leaving Tammi exasperated. While CJ explored several sports, baseball didn’t captivate him as much as football did. His unconventional approach to baseball included hidden-ball tricks and pitched timing disruptions. Football remained his true passion.

His father took the coaching path after college, with roles at Vanderbilt and Central Michigan before dedicating himself to coaching his children. Through lessons on being a good teammate and maintaining proper body language, Jason played a critical role in CJ’s sports education. He introduced CJ to film study, emphasizing the importance of objective evaluation using footage. He even filmed CJ and his sons’ flag football games, sparking family sessions in his home office—initially deemed unnecessary by Tammi.

Though Jason trained the kids in youth sports, he soon stepped back, allowing coaches to do their jobs while he continued their home education. Tammi explained that living with the Carr name attracted assumptions about CJ, such as accusations that his position was a byproduct of family legacy rather than merit.

CJ Carr’s path reflects how determination and focus can carve individual merit apart from family ties. Tammi Carr and coach Joe Palka observed scrutiny from others due to CJ’s name. Carr faced criticism but persevered, impressively maintaining confidence amid challenges. Carr’s athletic prowess emerged early, with Saline coach Palka noticing his competitive edge both in P.E. classes and game practices.

Overall, CJ’s competitive spirit, combined with discipline and patience, fostered impressive high school career statistics—8,135 yards and 78 touchdowns over three seasons. Among memorable games was one against Belleville in 2022, where, despite setbacks, Carr recorded significant passing yardage and touchdowns.

During his recruitment, Carr opted for independence, seeking an environment where he belonged, rather than simply following family tradition. Notre Dame, led by Marcus Freeman, attracted Carr despite Michigan’s historical ties. Coach Freeman’s authenticity resonated with Tammi. During recruitment visits to other schools, Tammi realized CJ’s silent commitment to Notre Dame, supporting his decision due to his conviction.

Transitioning to Notre Dame brought CJ satisfaction, forming bonds with teammates regardless of sports legacy pressures. The Carr family, along with coach Lloyd Carr, expressed loyalty and support. While emotionally difficult at times, they prioritized CJ’s career journey above historical rivalry elements.

Family challenges further influenced CJ’s career. His youngest brother, Chad, passed away due to DIPG—a highly aggressive brain tumor—at age 5. Chad’s joyful spirit left an indelible mark on CJ, motivating a Players’ Tribune tribute capturing Chad’s essence.

CJ’s experience shaped family values, focusing on togetherness in Chad’s final months. Upon Chad’s diagnosis, Tammi and Jason prioritized family time over school attendance, forming the ChadTough Foundation to defeat DIPG. The entire Carr family dedicated themselves to advocacy, valuing Chad’s legacy as an enduring source of motivation.

Chad’s love for Michigan contrasted CJ’s Notre Dame choice, humorously underscoring his brother’s mischievous nature in cheering for rival teams. Amid career pressures, CJ maintains perspective, drawing strength from familial support. Tammi acknowledged her son’s confidence, with CJ framing Notre Dame challenges relative to personal loss.

Team bonding remains crucial, reinforcing leadership insights from previous seasons. CJ engaged in off-season mechanics training, guided by Will Hewlett, strengthened by Coach Loren Landow, and benefitted from sessions with Tom Gormely.

Beyond intensive training, Carr bonded with teammates through shared experiences like Roblox gaming with Gino Guidugli’s children. His preparations pair confidence with commitment, redefining his role within Notre Dame football. Guidugli observed Carr’s evolution from freshman confidence to mature playing coordination, supported by intricate game knowledge.

A training camp battle with Kenny Minchey preluded Carr’s rise to quarterback status, immediately testing against teams like Miami and Texas A&M. Despite initial challenges, Carr’s performance matured, culminating in a series of notable wins against unranked teams, illustrating depth of passing play capabilities—with a Notre Dame passing efficiency record underscoring his achievement.

Despite 2025 playoff exclusions, Carr and Notre Dame rally with “Leave No Doubt” drive. As preparations for a competitive 2026 season continue, Carr balances academic obligations with team focus, embracing high NFL aspirations following training milestones.

Ultimately, CJ Carr cherishes his leadership role with humility, highlighting connections with teammates over celebrity focus. Avoiding social media distractions where possible, familial support sets Carr’s perspective, emphasizing individual growth amid pressures.

CJ’s dynamic interactions and friendly competition reinforce team solidarity while pursuing legacy formation for Notre Dame and his own individual mark.