Written by
The Sports Network
Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk was
honored as the 2011 NFL Man of the Year on Saturday. The award recognizes a
player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence.
"I am honored and truly humbled to be named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the
Year," said Birk. "This award is not about the recipient, but rather a
celebration of the decades-long tradition of NFL players using their unique
platform to touch lives and make a positive and lasting impact in the
communities in which they work and live. Walter Payton left a legacy that went
beyond the playing field. He continues to be an inspiration and example of
what a complete NFL player should aspire to become. I am grateful to have
played for two organizations, the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens,
which encourage and support their players' community efforts. I have always
considered it a privilege to play in the NFL and serve the communities that
support our game."
Birk, who just finished his in 14th NFL season, has started 96 consecutive
games, the NFL's second-longest active streak among centers. This past season,
he blocked for Ravens running back Ray Rice, who scored a franchise-record 15
total touchdowns and rushed for a career-high 1,364 yards. Rice also led the
league with 2,068 yards from scrimmage.
A Harvard graduate, Birk's "Ready, Set, Read!" program as part of his H.I.K.E.
Foundation (hope, inspiration, knowledge and education), has reached close to
100,000 children in the Baltimore area. The goal is to motivate students to
read at home though an incentive-based system.
The Sports Network