Ravens' Matt Birk to announce his retirement today (NFL's Pro Life and Traditional Marriage leader)

Baltimore Sun ^ | 2/22/13 | Aaron Wilson

[icwhatudo]

INDIANAPOLIS --— Baltimore Ravens six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk will announce his retirement from the NFL later this morning, according to a source with knowledge of his plans.

Birk, 36, played in the NFL for 15 seasons and won a Super Bowl in his final season with a victory in Super Bowl XLVII over the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans.

Birk played well last season and could have continued to play, but the Harvard graduate, former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and married father of six opted to leave the game at this time.

[icwhatudo]

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Birk when he was the guest speaker at Maryland's March for Life in Annapolis. What a great family man-not afraid to speak out for conservative values. One of the most down to earth people you will ever meet. When thanked for his work (on a very cold night) he replied- "Its important for me to be here."

[icwhatudo]

NFL's Matt Birk: Let's protect marriage -- and speech

Same-sex unions may not affect my marriage specifically, but it will affect my children.

I think it is important to set the record straight about what the marriage debate is and is not about, and to clarify that not all NFL players think redefining marriage is a good thing.

The union of a man and a woman is privileged and recognized by society as "marriage" for a reason, and it's not because the government has a vested interest in celebrating the love between two people. With good reason, government recognizes marriages and gives them certain legal benefits so they can provide a stable, nurturing environment for the next generation of citizens: our kids.

Children have a right to a mom and a dad, and I realize that this doesn't always happen. Through the work my wife and I do at pregnancy resource centers and underprivileged schools, we have witnessed firsthand the many heroic efforts of single mothers and fathers -- many of whom work very hard to provide what's best for their kids.

But recognizing the efforts of these parents and the resiliency of some (not all, unfortunately) of these kids, does not then give society the right to dismiss the potential long-term effects on a child of not knowing or being loved by his or her mother or father. Each plays a vital role in the raising of a child.

Continue reading marriage statement by Mr. Birk

[lesko]

Here is where all the Super Bowl media attention should have focused - this player winning the BIG ONE just before retirement. Instead we had wall to wall coverage of that dancing, self-absorbed jackass

[Venturer]

Nothing like retiring healthy after winning the big one.

This guy has a good head on his shoulders.

Role Model? Yeah I think so.

[NormsRevenge]

Good for him and his family. He was a hugh loss for the Vikings when he left for the Ravens. Best wishes.

[IMTOFT]

Thank you, Matt, from Raven Nation for your hard work, excellent play and helping to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Baltimore! Keep up the great work and words - a man of honor! I know Joe’s going to miss you...

[discostu]

Nobody knew he was retiring. And he’s a center, one of the most anonymous positions on the field.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Maryland PING!