| V.I.P Reception with Matt Birk at 6:00 pm with Sponsorship. An unlikely NFL success story, Matt Birk’s journey began from humble beginnings in St. Paul, MN. The “last kid picked” for everything, Birk developed a love for all sports despite his lack of natural talent. He decided to try football in the 10th grade, and his life was forever changed. Birk went on to attend Harvard University, playing football for the Crimson and earning a degree in economics. The Minnesota Vikings selected him in the 6th round of the 1998 NFL Draft. Matt played 11 seasons for the Vikings, earning 6 pro bowl births along the way. In 2002, Matt and his wife, Adrianna, started the HIKE (Hope, Inspiration, Knowledge, Education) Foundation, to provide educational opportunities to at-risk youth. For his community efforts, Birk was named the Minnesota Vikings Community Man of the Year 7 times. In 2009, Birk left Minnesota for Baltimore via free agency. In 2011, Birk was named the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year, recognized for excellence on the field and in the community. That year, over 100,000 kids in Maryland participated in HIKE Foundation programs. In 2013, Birk played in his last NFL game- a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. Since retiring, Birk has held a variety of roles within the NFL League office, co-authored a book, and is opening a Catholic high school in the fall of 2019. He resides in Mendota Heights and has 8 children. |
