In an offseason that has felt especially busy with retirements across the NFL, one of the more talented linebackers in recent memory has hung up his cleats.
Anthony Barr is retiring after a decade in the league, according to insider Jordan Schultz.
Barr was an enthralling talent coming out of UCLA, and the Minnesota Vikings used the No. 9 overall pick to land him in the 2014 NFL Draft.
He made an immediate impact as a playmaking linebacker in Minnesota.
He spent his first eight seasons with the Vikings. In that time, he made 495 tackles, had 17.5 sacks, forced eight fumbles, recovered seven fumbles, had five interceptions and scored a fumble return touchdown.
MORE: Lamar Jackson wants Ravens to be an unkindness
Barr made four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2015 through 2018.
After those eight years with the Vikings, Barr took a one-season detour to Dallas. He made 58 tackles with a sack in 14 games with the Cowboys.
Barr returned to the Vikings for 2023 and got onto the field for four games. He bounced between the practice squad and active roster.
He wasn't on a team in 2024, and now with the 2025 season coming up soon, Barr has confirmed that he's done.
Barr is 33 years old and heads on to the next chapter of his life.
MORE: Commanders' Terry McLaurin facing 'career-ending' scenario
He actually went to UCLA as an offensive player. In his freshman season, he was listed as a receiver and had nine catches. In his sophomore year, he was listed as an RB and had nine carries including a touchdown.
Only as a junior and senior with the Bruins did Barr become a linebacker and quickly blossom into a star.
It turned out to be quite the career move, because it set him up with a decade in the NFL.
MORE NFL NEWS:
- Packers' Jordan Love nearly quit football when his dad died, but his mom got him through
- Rashee Rice gives update on his suspension
- Bears might try DJ Moore at a new spot
- Micah Parsons breaks silence on his trade request
- Wes Welker is the key to Commanders unlocking Deebo Samuel
- Justin Jefferson's hamstring injury might be a good thing for the Vikings