Last updated: September 3, 2026
CJ Carr has quickly become one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in college football. The Notre Dame starter carries a famous last name, but his story runs deeper than the field. Fans often search for details on his family because the Carr name is woven into Michigan football history. His parents, Jason and Tammi Carr, raised him in a household full of football tradition, quiet strength, and real life lessons. Understanding them helps explain the calm, focused player now leading the Fighting Irish.
Table of Contents
Jason Carr: The Former Michigan Quarterback and Steady Father
Jason Carr is CJ’s father and a former Michigan Wolverines quarterback. He played for the program from 1992 to 1995, appearing in 20 games primarily as a backup. He completed 11 of 23 passes for 114 yards during his career. Jason is also the son of legendary Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr, who led the Wolverines to the 1997 national championship.
Jason’s approach to parenting stood out during CJ’s recruitment. When Michigan offered his son early, Jason tried to keep the news quiet at first. He wanted to protect CJ from the pressure that comes with early attention. He and Tammi later told their son that while the family loved Michigan, the final choice had to be his alone. That support helped CJ feel free to choose Notre Dame and build his own path.
Tammi Carr: Michigan Grad and Foundation Co-Founder
Tammi Carr, CJ’s mother, also attended the University of Michigan, where she met Jason. Her father, Tom Curtis, was a College Football Hall of Fame safety for the Wolverines and still holds the school’s career interceptions record. Football ran on both sides of the family.
Beyond the game, Tammi has shown remarkable strength. She co-founded the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation after the family’s youngest son, Chad, passed away in 2015 at age five from an aggressive form of brain cancer. The foundation has raised significant funds for research and support for other families facing the same diagnosis. Tammi left her job at the University of Michigan to focus on this work. Her dedication has shaped the entire family’s values of resilience and giving back.
A Family Shaped by Football and Heartbreak
The Carr household in Saline, Michigan, balanced football film sessions with deeper priorities. CJ and his younger brother Tommy both play quarterback. Tommy later committed to Michigan, creating a house divided in the best way. Their late brother Chad remains a central part of the family’s story. CJ has written publicly about the lessons Chad taught them about living fully and staying close as a family.
Key points that stand out about the Carr parents:
- Both attended Michigan and met on campus
- They refused to pressure CJ toward their alma mater
- They delayed tackle football for their sons until later ages to focus on fundamentals and maturity
- They turned personal tragedy into a foundation that continues to help others
Quick Facts on CJ Carr’s Parents and Family
Detail Information Father Jason Carr Father’s Background Former Michigan QB (1992–1995) Mother Tammi Carr Mother’s Background Michigan graduate, ChadTough Foundation co-founder Paternal Grandfather Lloyd Carr (Michigan head coach, national champion) Maternal Grandfather Tom Curtis (Michigan Hall of Fame safety) Hometown Saline, Michigan Notable Siblings Tommy Carr (QB), Chad Carr (late)
Conclusion
Jason and Tammi Carr raised a son who carries both a famous football name and a strong personal identity. They gave CJ the freedom to choose Notre Dame while staying rooted in the values that define their family: hard work, loyalty, and perspective beyond the scoreboard. Their support, shaped by both championship history and profound loss, helped produce a quarterback who plays with poise and purpose. As CJ continues to develop at Notre Dame, the influence of his parents remains clear. They are the quiet foundation behind the rising star.