You likely know Nick Barr-Mira as the Mississippi State football player who booms punts for the Bulldogs on Saturdays. What you might not know is that while Barr-Mira kicks footballs at MSU, his mother and brother are helping kickstart the lives of single parents and their children.

Barr-Mira’s mom, Lori Barr, and brother, Anthony Barr, are co-founders of Raise The Barr, a nonprofit dedicated to providing aid to single-parent college students and their kids in Minnesota—where Anthony spent eight years starring as a linebacker for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings—and in the family’s home area in Southern California.

“It’s something they’re very passionate about and also I’m very passionate about,” 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 the way to earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Loyola Marymount University. Inspired by their own story, Lori and Anthony started Raise The Barr to help others who find themselves in similar situations, providing participants with programming that includes financial assistance, community building and professional and personal development, with a goal of well-being for the entire family.

Down in Mississippi, Barr-Mira is showing how the apple didn’t fall too far at all from the family tree. Since coming to Starkville before the start of last season, he has participated in numerous community service events including Read Across America, Ryan’s Giving Tree and the Emily Chancellor Polar Bear Plunge. He’s also served at elementary schools, including one in Starkville.

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

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

Barr-Mira also pitches in with Raise The Barr when he can. Just this past spring, he interned with the organization and was part of an event planning committee.

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

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