A FORMER Pro Bowl linebacker has announced his sudden retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons.
The decision comes just a week-plus into NFL training camp.
Former NFL linebacker Anthony Barr waves to fans in the stands after a win in January 2022[/caption]
Barr played in his final season in the 2023-24 campaign[/caption]
On Tuesday, it was revealed that former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr is planning to retire.
The decision was announced on a social media post from Barr’s foundation, Raise The Barr.
“After an amazing ten-year career, Anthony Barr will officially retire from the NFL in just a few weeks,” an Instagram post on the foundation’s page said.
“From the start, he used his platform not just to play, but to build Raise The Barr, turning his success on the field into real impact for families like his.
‘While his football days are coming to a close, Anthony will remain focused on the mission, because the families counting on us need support now more than ever.”
The 33-year-old hasn’t commented on the decision.
Barr last played in 2023.
The UCLA product was drafted by the Vikings with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Barr burst onto the scene in his rookie season, recording four sacks, 70 tackles, and four fumble recoveries, including a return for a touchdown.
He would be named to the Pro Bowl in the next four seasons from 2015 to 2018.
Barr joined the Dallas Cowboys for the 2022 season.
He played in 14 games that campaign, but played through a hamstring strain he suffered in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears.
Barr then returned to the Vikings on a one-year deal late in the following campaign.
However, he’d play in just four games in 2023, which would be his final playing season.
Barr intercepts a pass and returns it for a touchdown during a 2021 game[/caption]
During his 10-year career, Barr appeared in 116 games.
He’d struggled through multiple injuries throughout his NFL tenure.
Barr tallied 554 total tackles, 18.5 sacks, five interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and 10 fumble recoveries.
He was a member of the Vikings squad that lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 NFC Championship.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
The Vikings will prepare for the upcoming season as they’ll take on the Houston Texans in their first preseason game on Saturday, August 9.
