Many people are reacting to the news that former NFL and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr announced his retirement after playing in the league for 10 years. One of those guys is a man Barr goes as far back as college at UCLA.
Former Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks chimed in on Barr's retirement news as he took to social media to share his appreciation of his former teammate.
"Words can't even explain! Beyond grateful and proud to be your teammate through the years. Always kept an eye on the community and the people you care about. Pushed me to be at my best....Cheers!"
Kendricks and Barr go way back before their Minnesota Vikings years
Barr and Kendricks both attended UCLA and played linebacker with the Bruins before Barr departed for the NFL in 2014, selected ninth overall to the Vikings. The Vikings went back to the UCLA well again as they selected Kendricks in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Both guys dominated and were main starters on the Vikings from 2015 through 2021 together. Barr made four consecutive Pro Bowls between 2015 and 2018. In 2019, Kendricks joined in on the fun as he was named a Pro Bowl and a first-team All-Pro.
Barr went on to play for the Cowboys for one season in 2022 before finishing his final playing season with the Vikings in 2023. After leaving Minnesota in 2022, Kendricks played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and the Cowboys last year.
The pair was dominant during their years together in Minnesota, as Kendricks was a tackling machine, having posted over 100 tackles in each season since 2016. Barr did a little of everything on defense from dropping back in coverage to pressuring the quarterback.
Vikings fans will have fond memories of the two as they are considered one of the best linebacker duos in franchise history.