Matt Birk
Football
Graduation Year
1998
Induction Year
2013
Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame
Harvard Athletic Achievements
A few words can be used to describe Matt Birk: one of Harvard football’s best offensive lineman, a 1997 Ivy League Champion, and as of February 2012, a Super Bowl Champion. Matt is a three year letterwinner (1995-1997) and a First Team All-Ivy Selection in 1997. Matt was also selected to the First team All-New England and All-ECAC teams. Matt served on an offensive line that helped Harvard’s offense to 4,236 total yards in 1997. That year, running back Chris Menick ’00 rushed for 1,267 yards and 13 touchdowns with the help of Matt and the offensive line. The Thomas Stephenson Head Coach for Harvard Football says, “Matt is one of the great human beings and finest football players I have ever coached.”
In 1998, Matt was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round (173rd overall) of the NFL Draft. Since then, Matt has served as a center for the Vikings and most recently the Baltimore Ravens. In 2011, Matt received the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his commitment to improving literacy in at-risk youth in the Baltimore community. A 15-year NFL veteran, Birk was a six-time Pro Bowl selection before retiring at the conclusion of this year’s championship season.
Hall of Fame
Remembering Harvard Athletics
It is an honor to be accepting this award tonight. I’d like to thank everyone in the Harvard Football family as well as the Harvard Varsity Club. As I look back on my four years, I have nothing but wonderful memories. Harvard football is a family and many of them are here tonight to support me just like they did 15 years ago. Thank you to my teammates and coaches for your love and friendship over the years.
Finally, I’d like to thank my greatest support system in my life—my family. Thank you my wife Adrianna for sticking by my side over the years. Also thank you to my parents, brothers, and children. Without you, I would not be where I am today.
