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Kevin SeifertAug 6, 2025, 12:28 AM<\/p>\n
Close<\/a>Kevin Seifert is a staff writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. Kevin has covered the NFL for over 20 years, joining ESPN in 2008. He was previously a beat reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Washington Times. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia.<\/p>\n EAGAN, Minn. — Linebacker Anthony Barr<\/a> is planning to retire after spending most of his career with the Minnesota Vikings<\/a>, according to a social media post<\/a> from his Raise the Barr organization.<\/p>\n Barr, 33, last played in 2023. He has not yet commented on the decision.<\/p>\n The Vikings made Barr the No. 9 overall pick of the 2014 draft, their first selection after hiring defensive-minded Mike Zimmer as their head coach. Barr fit the type of versatile off-ball linebacker Zimmer considered essential for his scheme.<\/p>\n He burst onto the scene as a rookie with four sacks, 70 tackles and three fumble recoveries — including one he returned for a touchdown — in 12 games. Despite struggling through multiple injuries over his tenure, Barr played in 98 games over 10 seasons with the Vikings from 2014-21.<\/p>\n Over his career, he totaled 554 tackles, forced eight fumbles and intercepted five passes in 116 games.<\/p>\n The Vikings fired Zimmer after the 2021 season, and Barr moved on to spend 2022<\/a> with the Dallas Cowboys<\/a>. He returned to Minnesota<\/a> late in the 2023 season, appearing in four games, and did not play in 2024.<\/p>\nLinebacker Anthony Barr, who last played in 2023, spent nine of his 10 NFL seasons with the Vikings.\u00a0Photo by Stephen Maturen\/Getty Images<\/p>\n