Retired C Matt Birk has been named the league's director of football development. Birk retired in February 2013, shortly after accepting a position as an appeals officer for the NFL and NFLPA. Among Birk's duties will be "developing" the game. He's expected to have a role in the "evolution" of the Scouting Combine. Birk was a six-time All-Pro for the Vikings in the 2000s, and 16-game starter for the 2012 Super Bowl champion Ravens.

Ravens C Matt Birk is retiring from football. He'll make the announcement on Friday. Birk, 36, will go out on top as a Super Bowl-winning center and 16-game starter for the Ravens. A Harvard alum and the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Birk earned six Pro Bowl trips -- all with Minnesota in the 2000s. He continued to play at a very high level into his mid-30s and had gas left in the tank even as he retired. For bookkeeping purposes, Birk's retirement "saves" the Ravens $2.05 million in salary cap space. It also creates yet another needy spot on GM Ozzie Newsome's roster.

According to the Ravens, C Matt Birk has scheduled "an announcement" at a community event on Friday. Longtime Ravens beat writer Jamison Hensley, now an ESPN blogger, "guesses" Birk will announce his retirement. Birk is 36 and would be going out on top. His retirement would add center to Baltimore's growing list of offseason needs.

Ravens C Matt Birk, 36, is still undecided on his future. "I haven't decided," Birk simply said after the Super Bowl victory on Sunday night. 37 in July, Birk has two years left on his contract, and he has graded out favorably in Pro Football Focus' end-of-the-year ratings the past couple seasons. Baltimore has his replacement, 2012 fourth-rounder Gino Gradkowski, waiting in the wings.

Ravens C Matt Birk, 36, says the outcome of next Sunday's Super Bowl will not affect his decision to play a 16th season. "It won't matter either way," insisted Birk, a six-time Pro Bowler. "Nobody is entitled to or deserves a Super Bowl and certainly if anybody does, it certainly isn't me. ... Whether we win or lose, I don't think it will affect me." Birk has considered retirement each of the past two offseasons.

Ravens C Matt Birk (back spasms) missed his sixth straight practice Saturday, and is unlikely to suit up for Baltimore's preseason opener Thursday. "(I) am going to probably slow him down a little bit more, especially this week, and then maybe next week after the game, we will get him back a little bit more," coach John Harbaugh said of his veteran center. Birk underwent a minor leg operation in June, and has dealt with all manner of injury the past few years, but hasn't missed a game since 2005. He'll be fine for Week 1.

Ravens C Matt Birk (varicose vein surgery) participated in Baltimore's first training camp session Tuesday. "I feel better," Birk said. "(The doctors) say it'll help me feel better during the season. My leg won't get as fatigued. So it's a good thing." Birk has dealt with multiple injuries the past few seasons, but hasn't missed a game since 2005. He graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 8 center in 2011.

Ravens C Matt Birk underwent surgery to repair a varicose vein issue. It's not an unexpected surgery, as the procedure had been planned for some time. Birk won't take part in mandatory minicamp, but he should be good to go for training camp.

Ravens agreed to terms with C Matt Birk. Birk mulled retiring for almost two months after the end of the regular season, but has been in constant talks with the Ravens since late-February. A 14-year veteran four months shy of his 36th birthday, Birk remained one of the league's top centers in 2011, but there's a good chance 2012 will be his final season.

The Ravens and C Matt Birk continue to have contract negotiations. Birk's agent said he took some calls from other teams since free agency started, but he's trying to work out a deal with Baltimore first. It sounds like the Ravens want to keep Birk rather than getting a younger option in free agency.