ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former Vikings great Matt Birk returned home this week and reminded students at his alma mater, Cretin-Derham Hall, to focus on the journey more than the destination.
Birk, a sixth-round draft pick by Minnesota in 1998 who became a six-time Pro Bowler and six-time Vikings Community Man of the Year, emphasized the importance of character during the pursuit of goals and after achieving them.
After 11 seasons with the Vikings, Birk played four more with the Ravens that culminated with him helping Baltimore win Super Bowl XLVII. Birk also was selected as the NFL’s 2011 Walter Payton Man of the Year.