By Luft Krigare

   Matt Birk, has been the center for the Minnesota Vikings for the last 10 years.  The Harvard grad has played through sports hernias and other minor injuries to lead the offensive line from the great line in 1998, to last year’s that provided the #1 ranked rushing attack in the league.  He is going into the last year of his contract and the Vikings have yet to offer an extension.  This is what has people wondering why, and Matt’s own displeasure on why nothing has been done.

Birk has stated that he will be not partaking in any of the “voluntary” workouts and OTAs.  It is still unclear if he will be present for the mandatory mini camps starting in June.  He is working out privately with former Vikings long snapper Mike Morris and promises to be ready to play, but the question is with what type of heart.

The Vikings have gotten the very best out of the St. Paul native.  He has made the Pro Bowl 6 times in the years he played.  Other that his sports hernias that threatened to kill his career, he’s been there every snap just as Kevin Seifert and Judd Zulgad have written in the Star Tribune this morning.

“Birk has resurrected his career since missing four games in 2004 and all of the '05 season because of multiple sports hernias and surgery to both hips. He hasn't missed a snap since his return, playing every down of the 2006 and '07 seasons, and is considered one of the top five centers in the NFL.”

Who says he can’t play 3, 5 or maybe more years as captain of the O line?  If that is the case why isn’t the club pushing to lock him up?  They gave Pat Williams an extension to end his career and it resulted in a starting Pro Bowl selection.  Matt Birk was also elected to last year’s squad as the #2 center, so that proves that he is still playing at the highest of levels.  What is the brain trust in the front office thinking?  Do they think they can go cheap and save the $5-7 million a year that it would take to keep Matty?  Is it worth it?  And do they realize the cost in leadership, and the example it is giving to other players that the Vikes do not want to take care of their own?

"I don't feel like I need to plead my case for a contract.  I think my career and my 10 years in this league speak for themselves."  Birk said.

It does speak for itself, and with plenty of cap room now and long term, there is no reason that the Vikings shouldn’t get a deal done and getting Matty back in going above and beyond as in the previous ten seasons.

Get ‘er done!