There are many ways that fans or an NFL team can honor former players. For example, retiring as a member of the team, going into the ring of honor, or being tabbed as a legend are great ways the Minnesota Vikings show respect to their major contributors.
Although it is not exclusively for former players, the Vikings have a fun tradition where a notable person is invited to sound the huge horn called the Gjallarhorn before each of the team's home games at U.S. Bank Stadium.
On Sunday, the purple and gold will host the Washington Commanders. As usual, the Vikings have invited someone with ties to the team or the community be sound the Gjallarhorn and get the crowd riled up.
A former Minnesota Vikings defender will get the opportunity of a lifetime when the Washington Commanders come to U.S. Bank Stadium.
On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings announced on X that former first-round draft pick Anthony Barr will sound the Gjallarhorn and have an in-game interview. This is part of the Legends Connection through Twin Cities Orthopedics.
Tomorrow, @AnthonyBarr will sound the Gjallahorn and do an in-game interview as our @twincitiesortho Legends Connection! pic.twitter.com/lLTo4qgEfG
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 6, 2025
Anthony Barr was the No. 9 overall pick by Minnesota in the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent nine total seasons with the Vikings and racked up 17.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and eight fumble recoveries before retiring from the game following the 2024 season as a member of the purple and gold.
Many fans have fond memories of Anthony Barr being a disruptive player for the Minnesota Vikings. His speed and athleticism enabled him to be a player who was not only adept at pressuring opposing quarterbacks but could also drop back into coverage when needed.
It's not always a former player who sounds the Gjallarhorn. It has been celebrities, notable public figures, families of legends, and more who have had the honor. Now, Anthony Barr's name will be added to the list of those to sound the horn.
This may not seem like an important game for the Minnesota Vikings, but the team has only won four of its first 12 games this season and has struggled in a huge way to get the offense on the same page.
Let's hope that having Anthony Barr sound the Gjallarhorn can help to motivate the Vikings to get their second home win of this season and turn things around for the purple and gold, so fans can enjoy the rest of the season.