Harvard Grad Matt Birk Makes Sixth Pro Bowl

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Courtesy: Harvard Athletic Communication

Harvard graduate Matt Birk was one of seven Minnesota Vikings’ players named to the 2008 Pro Bowl in an announcement by the National Football League.

Birk joins running back Adrian Peterson, fullback Tony Richardson, guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, defensive tackle Pat Williams and safety Darren Sharper on the team.

“I’m fortunate to have great teammates and this is a reflection on them,” said Birk. “I consider it a team honor and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by talented guys and good teammates. Anybody can look good when you’re playing with some of the best in the business.”

Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson becomes only the second rookie running back in Vikings history and the eighth Vikings running back to be named to the Pro Bowl. Peterson joins only Chuck Foreman in 1973 as rookies to be recognized. Peterson is the first Vikings rookie since Randy Moss in 1998 to go to the Pro Bowl. Peterson leads the NFC in rushing with 1,278 yards and ranks second in the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 12.

“This is a great honor as a rookie and I’m proud to be selected,” said Peterson. “More important than that is that some of the guys who made it possible for me to go are also going, like Hutch, (Matt) Birk and Tony.”

Paving the way for Peterson’s record-breaking season have been guard Steve Hutchinson and center Matt Birk, who will appear in their fifth and sixth Pro Bowls, respectively.

Birk’s sixth berth in the game ties Vikings legend Mick Tingelhoff for most Pro Bowls by a Vikings center. The only offensive linemen with more Pro Bowl honors as Vikings than Birk and Tingelhoff are Randall McDaniel (11) and Ron Yary (7).

- A.S.