Matt Birk isn't one to stay idle. Now he's back in the NFL.
Birk has been named the NFL director of football development, the league announced Thursday.
Birk played for the Ravens from 2009 until 2012 when he announced his retirement after winning Super Bowl XLVII. The 15-year pro and six-time Pro Bowler spent last year working as an NFL-NFLPA appeals officer, hearing players' appeals after suspensions.
In his new role, Birk will assist in developing the game at all levels, and will work with players, coaches and front office personnel. He will also assist in the administration of NFL game day operations.
Birk, the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, will try to improve the scouting combine and regional combines, as well as the annual all-star games such as the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game.
"I'm very excited to begin this next chapter of my football career," Birk said in a statement. "It's a real honor for me to be entrusted with developing the game in so many different ways."
Birk will also serve as a liaison for the football operations department on the international development of the game and will assist in strengthening the NFL High School Player Development program.
He will be based at NFL headquarters in New York. Birk is the eighth former player to take a job at the NFL office, joining Merton Hanks, Dwight Hollier, Patrick Kerney, James Thrash, David Tyree, Troy Vincent and Charles Way.
"Matt's experience as a terrific NFL player, a model citizen in his community and a reputation as a forward-thinking leader make him ideally suited for this role," said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent. "There is no doubt he will continue to make a positive impact on our game and be a trusted advocate for those who play and coach at every level."
