Carl Edwards stepped away from NASCAR in 2017, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests. He stated that he was healthy and not retiring due to health issues, but was concerned about the potential long-term health risks of racing, especially after watching Dale Earnhardt Jr. deal with concussions. He also mentioned that he had a desire to win the championship and felt it was “snatched” away from him at the end of the 2016 season due to a caution flag with five laps remaining.
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Carl Edwards knows there are people who won’t understand his decision to walk away from NASCAR in the prime of his career.
But to him, it’s relatively simple. He’s personally satisfied with his career, wants to devote more time to his family and desires to leave a dangerous sport with his health still intact
As of May 2025, there are no public reports indicating that Carl Edwards is experiencing any health issues. The former NASCAR driver, now 45 years old, appears to be in good health and is actively engaged in the sport’s media landscape. He has recently taken on a role as a television analyst for NASCAR broadcasts on Prime Video, marking his return to the public eye after several years away from the spotlight.
Edwards’ abrupt retirement from NASCAR in 2017, following a near-championship season in 2016, was a significant moment in the sport’s history. In a recent interview on the “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, Edwards opened up about the factors that led to his decision to step away from racing. He cited concerns over safety, a desire to spend more time with his family, and a sense of disillusionment with certain aspects of the sport, including a controversial caution during the 2016 championship race that he felt was thrown for entertainment purposes .
Despite his departure from competitive racing, Edwards has maintained a connection to NASCAR. His recent involvement with Prime Video’s NASCAR coverage has been well-received, and he has expressed enthusiasm about engaging with fans through this new platform . In 2025, Edwards was also inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes his significant contributions to the sport .
In summary, Carl Edwards is currently in good health and actively participating in NASCAR’s media coverage. His decision to retire was influenced by a combination of personal and professional factors, but he continues to be a respected figure in the racing community.
For more insights into Carl Edwards’ reflections on his career and retirement, you can watch his interview on the “Dale Jr. Download” podcast:
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