Matt Birk is retired from football and perhaps one day will be involved with politics but not now. “Not at this time,” he told Sports Headliners. “My kids are too small. Maybe down the road.”
Birk, who said he’s been approached by political interests, was described as one of the smartest athletes in sports (Sporting News, September, 2010) during a 15-year pro career with the Vikings and Ravens. The St. Paul native and Harvard graduate was one of the NFL’s better centers and leaders during a career that ended with a Super Bowl title last February. He is known for speaking his mind.
Birk chose not to join his teammates at the White House last week for a Super Bowl celebration with President Barack Obama. Birk said on KFAN FM last Thursday that the President’s comment several weeks ago saying “God bless Planned Parenthood” was the reason he chose not to attend the White House event. Birk is known for his pro-life position.
Birk has definite views too on how he wants his children educated. He and wife Adrianna have six kids ranging in age from 1 to 10. All are being home-schooled by both parents. “I really enjoy it,” Birk said.
The family is based in Naples, Florida but “we’ll be going back and forth” to Minnesota, Birk said. He has launched a website, Mattbirkspeaking.com, and not only has Birk been giving corporate talks but he provided the commencement address at Providence Academy in Plymouth.
Among his speaking themes is what makes great teams. “I have been on some great teams and on some terrible teams,” Birk said. “I know what the differences are.”
In the coming months Birk will likely establish a media career. He didn’t announce details but said there is a “pretty good chance” he will make regular guest appearances on a Minneapolis-St. Paul radio station. He also acknowledged the likelihood of a national media opportunity involving football.
Birk said he’s excited about the next phase of his professional career. “I was lucky to go to work for 15 years doing something I loved,” he said. “I need to have that connection (passion) or I won’t do it.”