While every collegiate athlete dreams of making it to the professional level of their respective sport, however sometimes it’s about the journey as much as the destination. The relationships made at the high school and college level form bonds that last past their playing days.
For Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, it is all about business, as he takes on a leadership role in guiding the Raiders return to greatness. The entire roster has accepted Carr as the outright leader of the offense, while defensive player of the year Khalil Mack leads the defense.
Carr is a typically a calm person, with a strong demeanor that remains composed throughout any obstacle. Aside from a freak injury, the Fresno State alumnus was on pace for a clash with the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.
The third-year player also isn’t shy in expressing his views with other sports, including cheering for his friends in other professional sports. A fellow Fresno State alumnus took headlines this week, with the NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday. Carr took to Twitter to voice his support, as Paul George may return back to his home state of California:
Is big bro PG about to be a Laker ???? :))))))
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) February 22, 2017
The Indiana Pacers reportedly heard offers from several other teams on Thursday for George, including the Lakers. During this period, George stated that he was left in the dark and that he felt betrayed by the Pacers. With him set to be a free agent after next season, the Pacers certainly gauged his value on the trade market, in case they wanted to get a return on him instead of him opting to leave for another team.
The rumors truly hit a convincing note when Sam Amick of USA Today Sports tweeted out that George is hell-bent on joining the Lakers if the Pacers can’t win a championship. According to reports, both teams engaged in trade talks, but were unable to reach an agreement before the deadline.
Both Carr and George attended Fresno State, leaving impactful legacies in their respective sports, as they both are now All-Stars/Pro Bowlers in the NFL and NBA. The Raiders franchise quarterback attended Fresno State from 2009-2013, spending five total seasons there (played four). Carr would go on to be the 36th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, as the Raiders took him in the second round.
On the other hand, George emerged as a NBA draft prospect at Fresno State, playing their from 2008-2010 (two seasons). George was selected 10th overall by the Pacers in the 2010 draft, the highest a Fresno State alumnus has ever been drafted.
George was born in Palmdale, California and grew up a Kobe Bryant fan, with an obvious connection already established with the Lakers. He and Carr has remained friends since their college days, with the Raiders quarterback hoping George to join him atop the California sports franchises.
