EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings kicked off the month of September by making a big-time impact for Twin Cities youth and families.

In conjunction with Anthony Barr's official retirement on Sept. 1, the Vikings teamed up with Dove to support single mothers on scholarship through Raise the Barr with back-to-school shopping.

"I was born to do this," a smiling Anthony said while hanging out with youth that afternoon.

The Vikings on Sept. 2 hosted patients from Shriners Children's Twin Cities, Gilette Children's and other area children's hospitals for the All-Abilities Football Clinic.

Read more about each event below.

Vikings moms shop to support fellow mothers

Excited energy filled the Viking Lakes Clubhouse as mothers of current Vikings players (as well as Anthony's mother, Lori, and his fiancée, Chelsea) warmly met the single mothers and their children they'd spent the morning shopping for.

In addition to new clothing, shoes and accessories, young people received an assortment of personal care and toiletry items, courtesy of Dove.

Elaine Jefferson happily introduced the 6-year-old twins she'd shopped for to her son, Justin Jefferson, who snapped a photo with the youngsters and took a peek at their brand-new shoes and outfits.

"It was surreal to meet the families and see excitement on the kids' faces, just knowing they'll be prepared and have everything they need for their first day of school," Elaine said. "It was so heartwarming, and we were excited to do that for them."

Elaine, a leader among the Vikings moms, noted the significance of celebrating Anthony's retirement by blessing families he supports through Raise the Barr.

"I'm so excited for him and can't wait to see his next chapter in life," Elaine said, "and [the legacy he's left gives me] something to be able to look at for when my son's time comes – just that joy and excitement it brings."

Raise the Barr Chief Advancement Officer Patty Healy beamed as she looked around the room and watched Anthony and Lori interact with Vikings players, their moms and of course the families receiving the gifting.

"Kids really are our future; to be a part of something where we're honoring, really, three generations here is just amazing," Healy said. "The Vikings are such an amazing organization that it's just integrated into the fabric [of their team]."

All of the Raise the Barr scholars are either currently enrolled in post-secondary education or in the early stages of their career.

"So it's really hard when you have a big expense at the beginning of the school year for clothes, supplies, and then in Minnesota, getting ready for the winter? Well, that's another thing," Healy said. "This takes some of the burden away [and helps provide] peace of mind. It's just a really great thing for these families."

Ulanda Mason, mother of Jordan Mason, enjoyed connecting with Alex and her daughters, ages 4 and 5.

"Their little eyes just lit up. They were so excited, and I love that," Ulanda said. "As a mom myself, and as a grandmother who's raising her grandchildren, this is the best thing to help these families out with shoes and clothing.

"One young man was so excited about the simplest things, like deodorant," she added. "This is just an amazing event."

Rookie guard Donovan Jackson's mother Melanie said shopping at the Eagan Outlets helped her connect with other moms from the team; the experience also offered her a first-hand look at the Vikings emphasis on community impact, something the Jackson family highly values.

"I know it was my son who was drafted, but Minnesota is partly my home now, too. Wherever Donovan is, my husband and I are going to be," Melanie said. "This let me give back a little bit, and it helped me feel part of the team.

"This is such a great opportunity, a big stage, to make a statement … to do something good," Melanie added. "And the fact this team runs toward that opportunity to give back, to do something, it makes my heart happy."

Vikings rookies help host All-Abilities Football Clinic

Max Brosmer didn't stop grinning the entire evening.

The rookie QB and former Golden Gopher spent over an hour on the field of TCO Stadium, a majority of that time dedicated to helping young people toss a football toward an inflatable target.

"We're making quarterbacks over here!" Brosmer exclaimed. "It's been a lot of fun for me, and I think they're having a blast, as well."

Brosmer and his fellow Vikings rookies – along with second-year tackle Walter Rouse – came together last Tuesday to host an annual All-Abilities Football Clinic with young people from Shriners Children's and other area hospitals. Most of the youth participating are facing physical challenges, such as limb differences, prosthetic limbs, or the need for crutches or a wheelchair. A few participants also experience cognitive challenges.

Zachariah Kuper, 23, and his family every year drive from Nebraska to take part in the unique camp that strives to create an even playing field for those with disabilities. Zachariah's mother, Mindy West, explained he has been a Shriner Kid since the age of 2.

"We would come up to the hospital every four to six months, and when he'd have surgeries, we'd come up every month," West said. "Then four years ago we came to the first event they had, and we fell in love with the football players and the whole experience.

"Being here, it makes these kids feel like anything's possible," West added. "It's incredibly important that we get Zachariah here every year."

Ten-year-old Teddy shares a similar love for the All-Abilities Clinic and is also a repeat attendee.

"It's just really fun," he said, "and I love getting to meet the players and even get their autographs."

Teddy doesn't let the fact he was born with achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism, hold him back. Just ask Rouse or Vikings outside linebacker Chaz Chambliss, who rooted Teddy on as he ran ladder drills or ran full-speed into the blocking dummy Chambliss held.

Teddy's father, Chris, looked on proudly.

"This is just great. He gets to come out here and be a part of the Vikings, a part of the team, and gets to do drills and hang out with other kids," Chris said. "It's just the highlight of his year.

"I think it's great for the kids to see that, you know, these players might be on TV, they might be big NFL stars, but at the end of the day, they're people, too," Chris added.

Vikings defensive lineman Elijah Williams, who made the team's 53-man roster after being invited to rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, shared a drill station with Rouse and encouraged the campers as they executed each exercise.

"Shoot, when you see them smiling and enjoying themselves like this, you definitely can't help but enjoy yourself, too," Williams said. "It's really inspiring. These kids are coming out here and just having fun. No matter what was thrown at them, the cards they were dealt in life, they still find a way to be out here and enjoy this moment for what it is."

Though Williams of course is excited to make an impact on the field, he's also looking forward to finding more ways to give back in the community.

"I want to be an inspiration for others. I enjoy being an example for others," he said. "When I get the chance to [do something like this] and meet new people, I'm gonna take advantage of it."

Shriners Children's Twin Cities physical therapist Becky Rouse emphasized the importance of creating events like the All-Abilities Clinic to remind young people facing challenges they are not alone.

"It's a place where kids can play with other kids who have similar struggles – and to be on the Vikings field at such an amazing facility is really special for them," Rouse said. "I think it's a fantastic thing the Vikings offer, and I think it's great for the players to see, too. The impact they can have on these kids is huge. So for them to be willing to be out here and participating is incredible."

Brosmer appreciated the opportunity not only to connect with some of the youth but also to step back and admire their confidence and adaptability.

He pointed out that a few times he'd reach to rebound a football bouncing off the target and be playfully scolded by a child, "I can do it myself."

"They've been doing an amazing job, and it's incredible experience," Brosmer said. "Sometimes there's a stigma surrounding physical limitations, people assume it's too hard for kids to participate in a sport, but [these kids] are showing the complete opposite. I'm so proud our organization is doing this for our community, and I'm proud I can represent the Vikings doing this."

View the 2025 Vikings Schedule.

Check out the 2025 International games.

View future opponents for the Vikings.

Buy single game tickets.

Download the official Vikings App.