Raven Matt Birk Announces Retirement at Battle Grove Elementary
The Pro Bowl center pledged to establish a reading center at the school and then closed the curtain on his playing career.
Battle Grove Elementary School found itself at the center of the pro football universe Friday morning when it received a visit from Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk. After hearing Birk's promise to create and stock a community reading lab at the school, Battle Grove fifth-graders found themselves among the first to hear officially of Birk's retirement from professional football. The six-time Pro Bowl player put the cap on his 15-season career (11 years with the Minnesota Vikings and the final four with Baltimore) by winning a Super Bowl ring. Birk has established a reputation for his off-the-field service and was named the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his service to community as well as his team, according to a statement …
Gas Giant
10:20 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Thanks Mr. Birk for your years of dedication to our football team. You are a class act and a real gentleman. I'm certain that the Ravens will have an extremely difficult task finding a great player like yourself to fill the position of Center. Good luck in your future activities. I only hope that you remain here in the Baltimore area so that we can continue to be near you. more ›