A Story of Commitment and Legacy
The Vikings, Anthony Barr, and Raise The Barr
From the very beginning, Raise The Barr was never just about a single player or a single season, it was about a belief shared deeply within the Minnesota Vikings organization: that community engagement is not peripheral to excellence, it is central to it.
When Anthony Barr entered the NFL, he arrived not only as an elite athlete, but as a leader with a clear sense of responsibility to the communities that shaped him and his family. The Vikings recognized and supported that from the very beginning. In an organization known for encouraging players to lead with purpose off the field, Anthony, along with his mom and co-founder, Lori, found both partnership and encouragement to build something lasting.
Anthony recently shared, “I’m deeply grateful to the Minnesota Vikings and their Social Justice Committee for their continued support of Raise The Barr. When we formed the committee in 2017, our vision was simple: invest in organizations creating real, measurable impact across the state of Minnesota. Raise The Barr was founded in Minnesota, and while I no longer take the field as a Viking, our commitment to this community remains as strong as ever. Thank you to the current players, the front office, and the Wilf family for recognizing the work RTB continues to do in a place that will always mean so much to me.”
Anthony and other members of the Social Justice Committee, 2021
Viktor the Viking is regularly found at community events
Anthony at his retirement press conference, 2025
Since its inception, the Vikings organization has stood alongside Anthony, amplifying his vision, opening doors, and modeling what authentic player-driven philanthropy can look like. This wasn’t a transactional relationship or a logo placement. It was a shared commitment to families working toward education and economic mobility, and to the idea that success is measured not only in wins on the field, but in impact beyond it.
Over the years, that support has taken many forms: visibility, partnership, encouragement, and a culture that values players as whole people - leaders, advocates, and neighbors. The Vikings have consistently demonstrated that when players are supported in giving back, the ripple effects extend far beyond any single initiative. They strengthen families. They inspire fans. They create legacies.
What makes this partnership especially meaningful is its longevity. Now celebrating ten years, Raise The Barr has grown alongside Anthony’s career, and the Vikings’ continued engagement reflects a belief in long-term investment. It reflects trust, in Anthony’s leadership, in the families served, and in the power of education as a pathway to stability and opportunity.
“Anthony Barr embodies the values that define our organization — leadership, integrity, and a lasting impact beyond the game," said Brett Taber, Vice President of Social Impact for the Minnesota Vikings. “Anthony was a cornerstone leader in our locker room and continues to lead with purpose through his commitment to uplift families. We are proud to stand by Anthony and Raise the Barr now and into the future.”
At its core, this story is about culture.
A culture where players are encouraged to lead with heart.
A culture where community engagement is embedded, not optional.
A culture where organizations understand that their greatest impact often happens far from the spotlight.
The Vikings’ support of Anthony Barr and Raise The Barr is a powerful example of what’s possible when professional sports organizations embrace their role as community partners, and when players are empowered to turn their values into action.
Together, they remind us that when leadership, opportunity, and community align, real change becomes possible, and lasting.
Be Part of the Next Decade!
Sign up for 10th Anniversary updates, inspiring scholar stories, and opportunities to champion single-parent students and their children.