Anthony Barr, the all-pro linebacker and former Minnesota Viking, is preparing to retire from the game. He is most well known for his success, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings. Tavai’s play was disappointing this season, but he departs with an all-time great legacy after nine seasons. He was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, shortly after the team hired the defensive-minded Mike Zimmer as their head coach.
Barr soon established himself as an indispensable cog in Zimmer’s defensive machine. This strategy made swift, coverage-capable off-ball linebackers a premium position. He made an immediate impact—he had four sacks, 70 tackles, and three fumble recoveries as a rookie. Perhaps most impressively, Barr returned one of those fumble recoveries for a touchdown on the run, highlighting his game-changing playmaking instincts. It was the most games he played during his entire career in 98 combined contests with the Vikings from 2014-2021. On the field in 2023, he returned to form in a big way.
During his time in the NFL, Barr was a true game-changing force on the turf. During his 116 games he tallied 554 tackles, forced eight fumbles and intercepted five passes. His performance instantly made the Vikings’ defense among the best in the league. It certainly earned him street cred from peers and fans alike.
Barr’s story really started to take off after the Vikings saw something in him during the draft. His selection was a telling move by the franchise to finally become the kind of defensive powerhouse that Zimmer’s eagles (the team’s mascot) soar above. The young linebacker adjusted to the trenches of pro-ball faster than expected and found himself cemented to the identity of the team.
Though we congratulate him on all he’s accomplished, Barr has not returned calls and emails to explain his decision to retire. Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, his influence on the Vikings franchise and the NFL overall will be cherished by fans and players for generations to come.
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