Matt Birk Net Worth and Career Achievements
Matt Birk, a celebrated former American professional football player, boasts a net worth of $12 million. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1976, the talented center began his journey in football at Harvard University. Standing at six-foot-four and weighing 235 pounds, Birk was picked 173rd overall in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft.
Professional Football Career
Birk launched his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1998, remaining a crucial player for the team over a decade until he transitioned to the Baltimore Ravens from 2009 until 2012. During his illustrious career, Birk was selected for the Pro Bowl six times (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007) and earned All-Pro honors twice, in 2000 and 2003. In recognition of his outstanding community service and playing excellence, Birk was awarded the 2011 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Notably, he was a key player in the Ravens' victory in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, with a final score of 34-31.
Contributions and Recognitions
With 210 career games and 187 starts, Birk was a steadfast anchor of the offensive line. His influence extended beyond the field as he established the HIKE Foundation in 2002, dedicated to helping at-risk youth. This initiative was expanded to the Baltimore-area public schools in 2010. Throughout his career with the Vikings, he was honored six times with the team's Man of the Year Award between 2002 and 2007.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Birk is known not just for his football acumen but also for his intellect, being one of the smartest players in the NFL. He and his wife, a dedicated volunteer at a crisis center for pregnant women, have six children. Birk's conservative views on abortion and same-sex marriage have made headlines, and he notably declined to visit the White House following the Ravens' Super Bowl win, protesting President Barack Obama's support for Planned Parenthood. Demonstrating his commitment to the health of future athletes, Birk has planned to donate his brain for research posthumously.
In 2014, Birk's dedication to the sport and its players was recognized with his appointment as the NFL director of player development.
