Anthony Barr did more than soak up the sun when he spent the past week in Hawaii for his first Pro Bowl.

The Vikings second-year linebacker also tried to pick the brain of other Pro Bowl players and gain any knowledge he could.

"It was an awesome experience," Barr said. "I actually learned a lot just being around all of the veterans and talking with them this week. I had a great time and I hope to be back a couple more times."

Barr said he appreciated the opportunity to hang out with linebackers Sean Lee (Dallas), Lavonte David (Tampa Bay) and Derrick Johnson (Kansas City).

"All great players and great linebackers," Barr said. "They're people I admire, and I'm sure we'll keep in contact."

He later added: "Being able to talk to them and pick their brain a little bit, or even just regular conversations, it's been pretty cool and a priceless experience for me."

In addition to Barr, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, safety Harrison Smith and Everson Griffen also played in the Pro Bowl for the first time.

Bridgewater said he tried to chat with as many Pro Bowlers as possible.

"You establish and build relationships with guys you could eventually end up playing on the same team with," he said. "It's guys who are great people."

Smith said his one of his biggest thrills was getting the chance to learn from Hall of Fame safety Darren Woodson. Honorary NFL captain Michael Irvin told Vikings.com that Minnesota Head Coach Mike Zimmer suggested he draft Smith so the safety could spend time with Woodson, who was a part of Team Irvin.

"If you ask Zim', he's one of the best safeties he's ever coached," Smith said of Woodson. "Being able to be around that guy is big for me especially me being where I'm at. Hopefully it will pay off this upcoming year."

With seven appearances, running back Adrian Peterson is a veteran of the Pro Bowl. But the reigning NFL rushing champion said he still enjoys the camaraderie of the annual event.

"You have so many personalities and so much talent," Peterson said. "These are guys on different teams that you have so much respect for."