Matt Birk Can’t Bank on HOF but Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor is Reportedly a Lock

Matt Birk, a Minnesota native who attended Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, played college football at Harvard before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998. He spent a decade with the Vikings before signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.

Matt Birk was an all-time great NFL center, no doubt. He made six Pro Bowls during his career, all with the Vikings, and earned a spot on the All-Pro second team in 2003. Birk is one of the greatest offensive linemen to ever wear purple and gold, though his Hall of Fame credentials are up for debate.

Viking Visual Past: 2004, and we remind you that, while he had demons, Onterrio Smith could run, Matt Birk could block. #vikings pic.twitter.com/iLnzuENPwB

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) April 17, 2018

Matt Birk into the Minnesota Vikings ring of honor?

In his most recent column over the weekend, Charley Walters revealed that Matt Birk is likely to be inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor. However, Walters noted that Birk’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, remains uncertain.

Despite being a six-time Pro Bowl center, it’s uncertain whether the Pro Football Hall of Fame is in the future for ex-Viking Matt Birk from St. Paul. What is certain, though, is the Vikings Ring of Honor.

Charley Walters – Pioneer Press

Matt Birk won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, ending his professional football career on a high note, as a champion. But when you go searching for the best centers in NFL history, you’ll have difficulty locating Birk’s name anywhere.

Is Matt Birk worthy of the NFL Hall of Fame?

The St. Paul native seems to have something very close to what’s considered as a Hall of Fame resume, for NFL centers. His six pro bowl selections are comparable to other HOF centers. Both of his All-Pro nods being 2nd team is part of what hurts him.

Matt Birk continues to have a significant presence in the Minnesota community. In 2022, he ran for lieutenant governor alongside Scott Jensen, a race he lost to incumbent Governor Tim Walz.

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In 2011, Birk was also honored with the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, recognizing his dedication to philanthropy, community impact, and outstanding performance on the field.

Matt Birk is truly a legend in Minnesota, and he absolutely deserves recognition in the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor and the Hall of Fame. Seeing his name displayed at US Bank Stadium will be incredible.