Faith and football

Matt Birk focuses on fundamentals

by Joni Astrup

Associate Editor

Super Bowl champion and former Minnesota Viking Matt Birk talked about faith and football during an appearance Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Elk River.

Birk is the developer of 4HG (For His Glory), a movement to create a healthy sports culture and ensure that kids have fun and improve while keeping a Christian focus.

A St. Paul native, husband and father of eight, Birk grew up attending Catholic school. He didn’t start playing football until he was 16.

The sport came somewhat easily for him, and he said he “just kind of went out there and did it.”

After high school, he went on to Harvard University where he played football and earned a degree in economics.

In 1998, he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.

Birk played 15 years in the NFL, mostly with the Vikings. He wrapped up his career with the Baltimore Ravens and was part of the team that won the Super Bowl in 2013.

Throughout his NFL career, Birk focused on mastering the fundamentals of the game. He said he always went to practice early and practiced snapping the football.

“You know why? Because it’s that important. You can have the greatest play in the history of the world called. If the quarterback doesn’t get the ball, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

He drew a parallel to the Catholic faith, and the importance of practicing the fundamentals of the faith over and over again.

Birk wrapped up his visit by answering about two dozen questions from those in attendance, including the following.

Why did you go to the Ravens?

Birk joked, “Because I wanted to win a Super Bowl.”

On a more serious note, he said he was a free agent for the first time in his career and thought he would re-sign with the Vikings. But he met with the Ravens coach and Birk said they connected. The coach was a “faithful Catholic guy” and they talked about football, faith, their wives and their kids. Birk said the coach was inspiring.

After meeting with him, Birk called his dad and said, “I really want to play for this guy.”

His dad said, “Then do it.”

Why did you retire?

“I got old. I was 36 years old. You can’t play football forever.” He said he had played for a long while, had six kids at the time and felt it was time for him to stop. “Football takes a lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of focus. My family was great, but I figured it was time to stop and spend more time (and) pay more attention to them.”

How many concussions have you had?

“You probably think it’s a lot after listening to me talk. Three: one in high school, one in college and one in the pros.”

What was your playing weight?

“My playing weight was about 310, 315. Now I’m about 250.”

Do any of your kids like football?

“I’ve got five boys. Three of them are old enough to play football. They all play. They seem to like it.”

Do you know Kirk Cousins?

“I do know Kirk Cousins. He’s a great guy.”

Would you mind telling us about your prayer life?

Birk goes to Mass most days and practices other aspects of the Catholic faith. He also likes a daily devotional called “In Conversation With God.” Additionally, he belongs to a men’s small group and said it has changed his life.

Were you able to share your faith in the NFL?

“This is what surprises people. The locker room is a very spiritual place. And I know, you watch guys on TV and the only time you read about guys off the field is when they do knucklehead stuff. There are so many Christians in the NFL. Because football, in the NFL, it’s really hard. You’ve got these high highs and low lows and it’s not real. Like none of it’s real, the money that they pay you and the fame that you have. Everybody knows — our hearts know — that we are built for beauty and goodness and truth. And so you know it’s not real. And I think most guys come around to that. You’re searching for what’s real.”

He said there are team chaplains, Bible studies and other things available to players.

“It’s probably one of the few places where you’re actually encouraged to grow in your faith. ... I really think Christianity is part of the football culture,” he said.

Did you start a Catholic high school?

Birk was involved in starting Unity Catholic High School. He said it’s going great and that he’s a “big fan” of Catholic education. He said he’s a product of Catholic education and all of his kids go to Catholic school. “It’s the best. ... For as long as I can remember, I knew who made me, I knew what He did for me and I knew what He expected of me. That was just incredibly valuable for me growing up, good times and bad times. I had the gift of faith and just started the high school because I want more kids to have it.”

He also was asked about his political career. Birk was Republican Scott Jensen’s running mate in his unsuccessful bid to unseat DFL Gov. Tim Walz in 2022.

Birk said running for lieutenant governor wasn’t something that was on his radar, but he was asked to do so and he tries to be open to good things.

“Young people, I’m going to tell you something: ‘Life turned out exactly how I thought it would,’ said nobody ever. So I try to be open and say yes to what I feel are good things and try to discern what God’s will is for me. I just got asked to do it and I did.”

Birk said people ask him if he misses football.

“I got to play a long time, and I got to kind of decide when I was done, so I don’t miss the game, but I miss the guys. I miss that special bond that I had with my teammates.”