Anthony Barr hosts football camp for kids in California

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr had an impressive rookie season for the team last year, but sometimes what is more impressive is what these players do when they’re not on the football field.

Recently, we heard the heart-warming story of linebacker Chad Greenway helping to give a handicapped-accessible van to a family in need after an automobile accident left a young child with a 5% chance to live. We also hear great stories like those about former Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss keeping his promise to a young lady with leukemia.

In keeping with the theme of great things that players have been doing recently, second year linebacker Anthony Barr held his first annual football camp at Layola High School in Los Angeles, California where the goal was not only to help kids learn the game of football, but also play the game safely and responsibly while developing life skills that the game can teach.

Barr also saw this as a great opportunity to share the dream of playing in the NFL with other young kids that were once in his position. He discussed that in an article on the Fox Sports website:

"“The kids enjoyed interacting not only with myself, but also the other coaches. They got a kick out of playing with guys they either saw on TV or in the magazines. I was in their shoes not too long ago.”"

Speaking of those guys that they saw on TV, Anthony Barr wasn’t the only player in attendance at the football camp. Here is a list of some of the other gentlemen on hand to help coach the kids:

May 27, 2015; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) works on drills at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Kendricks (Vikings)

Jordan Zumwalt (Steelers)

Owa Odighizuwa (Giants)

Jery Neuheisel (Bruins)

As you can tell, there was a theme going on with the staff. All of these individuals attended UCLA during their college football careers. It is that family type of atmosphere among Bruins that helped persuade the Minnesota Vikings to select linebacker Eric Kendricks in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Anthony Barr had a great time with the kids and was impressed with the camp.

"“They were able to come out here and give a piece of themselves and I thought that was awesome. I hope we can build on today. For a first time, this was a great experience for everyone involved.”"

This is another of great things that the players do that can slip under the radar sometimes. In a media world that is based in the negative, it is always great to hear about players using their time to help give back to communities and make a difference in the lives of children.

Thank you, Anthony Barr and the other coaches that were on hand for this camp as well as those who helped make it possible. We at The Viking Age are always proud to see something like this in the news and also look forward to seeing Barr on the football field this season.

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