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

Tammi Carr vividly recalls the look in her son’s eyes as he watched from the sidelines. The Carr family had a firm rule: their oldest son, CJ Carr, had to wait until seventh grade to play tackle football. Up until then, CJ and his friends played flag football with their dads as coaches. When other parents allowed their sons to switch to tackle football in sixth grade, CJ remained in the stands, helping with first-down sticks during games.

His parents stood firm despite CJ’s pleas to let him play earlier. The following year, CJ donned pads for his first tackle football game. “I was like, ‘I’m never taking this off,'” CJ Carr said, realizing his passion for the sport. From then on, he wanted to engage in football daily, from practices to film study.

CJ’s interest in football seemed destined, considering his family background. His two grandfathers were College Football Hall of Famers. During his childhood, CJ prioritized sports, often ignoring toys and Christmas presents. He enjoyed watching football on TV as much as attending games in iconic stadiums, thanks to the ability to replay exciting plays.

Raised in Saline, Michigan, CJ Carr could have followed the family’s Michigan legacy. His paternal grandfather, Lloyd Carr, coached at Michigan for 13 seasons, winning five Big Ten titles and a national championship. His maternal grandfather, Tom Curtis, was an acclaimed player for the Wolverines. Both CJ’s father and younger brother, Tommy, pursued football at Michigan. But CJ chose Notre Dame.

After a redshirt season, CJ made strides at Notre Dame in 2025. He threw for 2,741 yards with 24 touchdowns, leading the team to a No. 10 ranking in the Associated Press, narrowly missing the College Football Playoff. He was honored as a second-team freshman All-America.

The current season presents an even bigger challenge for CJ Carr. With Notre Dame ranked No. 4 in preseason polls and holding championship aspirations, Carr is among the nation’s leading quarterbacks and a preseason Heisman Trophy contender. Notre Dame’s quarterbacks coach, Gino Guidugli, has been instrumental in Carr’s development.

CJ expressed gratitude for his position and the chance to represent Notre Dame. “I get to come out here every day and play with my best friends,” he said, valuing the team camaraderie over external perceptions. Despite hype and expectations, Carr remains grounded, focused on opinions from within his team.

Mental toughness has been ingrained in Carr since childhood. It’s about developing a mindset that refuses to make or accept excuses, he explains. Carr describes his younger self as “a soft kid,” emotionally invested to the point of tears if he made errors in sports.

CJ credits his father’s emphasis on mental toughness for his growth. Jason Carr had the definition printed on the wall for CJ to read whenever needed. This practice instilled resilience, which CJ would later throw back at his father when winning against him in games.

CJ Carr learned the importance of being a teammate and understanding body language early in life. His father introduced him to film study, stressing that “the eyes in the sky never lie.” Regular film sessions became a ritual that began with flag football and extended to all aspects of CJ’s sports career.

Though Tammi’s family has deep ties to Michigan, CJ chose Notre Dame as his collegiate home. CJ Carr enjoyed games in iconic stadiums but felt Notre Dame offered him a special connection.

The Carr name carries weight around Ann Arbor, Michigan, but CJ wanted to prove himself on his own terms. He faced scrutiny, as many believed his success was tied to his surname. Yet CJ remained determined to forge his path.

Saline High School coach Joe Palka noted CJ’s steadfastness in the face of criticism. Despite the challenges within this legacy, CJ became proficient, intelligent, focused, and prepared.

His early recruitment saw offers from Michigan and Michigan State, but Notre Dame was where he felt he belonged. According to Tammi, CJ was deeply committed to Notre Dame from the start, influenced by head coach Marcus Freeman’s authentic approach.

CJ emphasized his conviction to his family: Notre Dame was his chosen place. The Carr family supported his decision wholeheartedly.

Lloyd Carr, though a Michigan legend, prioritized family over rivalries. Watching CJ play was daunting, but Lloyd’s love for his grandson transcended traditional allegiances.

CJ Carr faced deep personal challenges with the loss of his youngest brother, Chad. Chad passed away in 2015 due to an aggressive brain tumor. Through that experience, CJ and his family learned about life’s hardships.

Chad loved attending Michigan games with his family, rooting for opposing teams for laughs. CJ fondly recalls Chad as an energetic, humorous child. In tribute to Chad, CJ wore his spirit proudly during games.

The Carr family established the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, focusing on supporting families facing similar battles.

Guidugli acknowledges CJ’s determination, one seen in both practice and leisure. Carr’s extensive preparation makes him stand out. “The way he prepares, add that with the experience and the confidence,” Freeman said, highlighting Carr’s strengths.

CJ Carr shines in preparation and play, but he’s not focused solely on star status. He fosters genuine relationships within the team and leadership skills through team bonding activities.

With the 2026 season underway, CJ Carr remains steadfast, striving to leave no doubt in achieving goals. His aim is simple: to be a Notre Dame quarterback who gives his all, embracing the intrinsic pressure.