Former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Matt Birk has a new job.
The St. Paul native and Harvard graduate, has been named the director of football development by the NFL.
He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a standout center for the Vikings and Baltimore Ravens from 1998-2012. He won a Super Bowl with the Ravens during the 2012 season and retired shortly after.
In his new role, Birk will assist in developing the game at all levels. He will work with players, coaches and front office personnel and will also assist in the administration of NFL game day operations. He is the eighth former player to take a job with the NFL office.
.@NFL names Matt Birk Director of Football Development: http://t.co/nqS7PbEKx4 pic.twitter.com/dpp0sboUau
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 10, 2014
According to Pro Football Talk, the other former NFL players working in the office include Merton Hanks, Dwight Hollier, Patrick Kearney, James Thrash, David Tyree, Troy Vincent and Charles Way.
“I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my football career,” said Birk. “It’s a real honor for me to be entrusted with developing the game in so many different ways.”
Birk will guide the continued evolution of the NFL Scouting Combine and the Regional Combines. He will also help develop the annual all-star games for aspiring NFL players, like the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game.
Congrats to @BirkMatt for being named the Director of Football Development for the @NFL.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 10, 2014
“Matt’s experience as a terrific NFL player, a model citizen in his community and a reputation as a forward-thinking leader make him ideally suited for this role,” said Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “There’s no doubt he will continue to make a positive impact on our game and be a trusted advocate for those who play and coach at every level.”
Birk was the recipient of the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for his excellence on and off the field.
He and his wife, Adrianna, are the parents of six children.
