Barr explains picking Vikings over Jets: 'One of the worst days of my life'

Anthony Barr had a change of heart.

The four-time Pro Bowl linebacker agreed Monday to sign with the New York Jets after spending the first five years of his career in Minnesota. By Tuesday, he had backed out of the deal to return to the Vikings.

"Crazy couple of days for me. Crazy year, really," Barr said at a Thursday press conference.

"Monday was one of the worst days of my life," he continued. "It was a crazy day.

"I just followed my heart. I did what I wanted to do at the end of the day and I'm happy with it. I feel so much better than I did 48, 72 hours ago."

The 26-year-old said the "terrible" free-agent process was filled with drama. He gave his agent the OK to sign with the Jets but immediately felt poorly about the decision to leave Minnesota.

"This is where I want to be. This is my home," he explained. "It just felt right. This is where my heart was, this is where it's always been, and this is where it always will be."

Barr's uncertainty and eventual decision to stay with the Vikings occurred during the NFL's two-day negotiating period when teams are permitted to contact potential free agents through their agents. Agreements could only be finalized as of Wednesday afternoon.

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