Nick Barr-Mira | Mississippi State University

You probably know Nick Barr-Mira as the Mississippi State football player who kicks for the Bulldogs on Saturdays. What you may not know is that while Barr-Mira plays football at MSU, his mother and brother help launch the lives of single parents and their children.

Barr-Mira’s mother, Lori Barr, and brother, Anthony Barr, are co-founders of Raise The Barr, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to unaccompanied students and their children in Minnesota, where Anthony spent eight years as the starring as a linebacker for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings – and in the family’s home turf of Southern California.

“It’s something they’re very passionate about and I’m very passionate about it too,” Barr-Mira said. “They inspire me every day with their desire to help and serve others. It spreads to me and (motivates) me to help with my community and it’s something I’m proud to be a part of.”

Lori raised Anthony as a single parent and was able to balance motherhood with two part-time jobs on her way to earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Loyola Marymount University. Inspired by their own story, Lori and Anthony started Raise The Barr to help others in similar situations by providing participants with programming that includes financial assistance, community building, and professional and personal development, with the goal of wellness for the entire family . family.

In Mississippi, Barr-Mira shows that the apple is not far from the family tree at all. Since coming to Starkville before the start of last season, he has participated in numerous community events, including Read Across America, Ryan’s Giving Tree and the Emily Chancellor Polar Bear Plunge. He also attended elementary schools, including one in Starkville.

As a result, Barr-Mira is on the watch list for the 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. The Wuerffel Trophy is considered college football’s premier award for community service.

Barr-Mira has also been nominated to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. To be eligible for a spot, a nominee for the honor must be actively involved in a charitable organization or service group, while maintaining a strong academic reputation.

Barr-Mira also participates in Raise The Barr when he can. Last spring, he interned with the organization and served on an event planning committee.

It’s safe to say that Barr-Mira is so much more than just one of the Southeastern Conference’s best punters. He follows in the footsteps of his mother and brother and helps make the world a better place.

“It’s an incredible, incredible feeling when you help someone,” Barr-Mira said. “It’s incredibly rewarding, and we’re so blessed to be able to help and bless other people the way we do.”