"Since we have the same agent, he always brags about" Flacco, Birk added. "I probably hear about him a little too much."
These are the major reasons Birk fits with the Ravens:
* He's a smart, experienced leader. A graduate of Harvard, Birk has made 123 starts during his career (with a current streak of 48 straight games). That's invaluable to an offensive line that could have at least three starters younger than 26 (Jared Gaither, Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda).
* He's big enough to match up against AFC North nose tackles. At 6 feet 4, 309 pounds, Birk is one of the bigger centers in the league. General manager Ozzie Newsome pointed out that Birk had to practice against Vikings defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. He also played twice a season against the Cleveland Browns' Shaun Rogers (when Rogers played for the Detroit Lions).
* He's known for his strong character. Birk was a seven-time Vikings Man of the Year and was one of three finalists for NFL Man of the Year this season (the only league award that combines on-field excellence with community work).
He also has taken a leading role in the Gridiron Greats program, which assists former players who face severe health and financial hardships. He donated $50,000 and also sent a letter to every NFL player encouraging them to donate a portion of their Dec. 21 game check. About 20 players donated to the cause.
"I really, really like being able to play football for a living," Birk said. "I know that's made possible because of the guys that came before us. There's something not right with the way some of those guys have been treated, and I'm trying to fix it."
For now, Birk has fixed a major hole on the Ravens' offensive line.
"I probably can't adequately describe how excited I am to be here," Birk said. "I hate to use the word 'perfect,' but it feels perfect to me."
Notes: : Karl Paymah, a backup cornerback and special teams player from the Denver Broncos, made a free-agent visit yesterday. The 2005 third-round pick, 26, could fill the role left by Corey Ivy, who is a free agent. ... The Ravens will hold auditions for their cheerleading squad tomorrow and Sunday at the Downtown Athletic Club. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.
@baltimoresun.com
