Every good organization has a succession plan. Looks like the Vikings may have one with the drafting of sixth round pick John Sullivan, 23-year-old center from Notre Dame. Matt Birk, 31, made the Pro Bowl for the sixth time last winter, but he’s in the last year of his contract and not participating in volunteer training activities this spring.
Birk and the Vikings may work out a contract that keeps him here for several more seasons. He’s a popular local figure, a St. Paul native who owns two Twin Cities restaurants and has played his entire NFL career with the Vikings after being drafted on the sixth round in 1998. Birk’s skills and image have been assets to the Vikings.
Whatever Birk’s longevity with the Vikings, his name looks like it will be associated with Sullivan who is considered a solid prospect and potential backup or replacement. Being around Birk is something Sullivan is looking forward to.
“…Any time I have a question, I certainly won’t be afraid to ask him,” Sullivan said. “I am sure there’s a ton of stuff that he knows about the game of football, especially playing on this level that I have never been exposed to and I plan on taking advantage of that resource.”
What questions will he ask? Sullivan said examples could be why Birk chose a certain offensive line call, or used a specific footwork.
Sullivan also said he’s already been watching plays involving Birk and techniques that the Vikings use. Sullivan has had questions for offensive line coaches Pat Morris and Jim Huber, but has other questions to ask Birk.
Sullivan is already an admirer of the man he may one day replace. “He’s a very physical player,” Sullivan said. “He’s seems to be very smart. He’s in the right place at the right time. It’s not by accident.”