Matt Birk: Baltimore Ravens Center Retires After 15 Seasons In The NFL

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk announced his retirement Friday.

Birk's announcement comes after playing 15 seasons in the NFL.

And the team's general manager said that his legacy will remain with the Ravens going forward.

"Matt's influence in his four years with the Ravens is evident to all," said Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens' general manager. "We could go to you players and say, 'Do what Matt does, and you'll succeed. Watch him and follow him.' His work ethic was as good as any player we had."

Newsome also expressed heartfelt sentiment for Birk's performance with the team.

"Matt was a great Raven, and we all thank him for what he did for us. He is a professional in every way."

The six-time Pro Bowler made his retirement announcement at Battle Grove Elementary School in Baltimore, where he plans to add a community reading center.

Birk was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998 out of Harvard in the sixth round; the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year spent his first 11 seasons in the league there.

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh also expressed his respect for Birk.

"We were all so fortunate to have Matt Birk as a Raven--the team, everyone in our building, the community," Harbaugh said. "It was a privilege to coach him and an honor to have him as a friend. We are better people for being around Matt, blessed in fact."

(SOURCE)