OK, I think everyone here knows that we here at ZoneBlitz are predominantly fans of the Minnesota Vikings, being the local team.  And, I think I can speak for my brother when I say that over the last 10 years, Matt Birk has become one of our favorite players on the team.  Local guy, Harvard grad, very down to earth from what we’ve seen/heard, and co-owner of a couple of fairly nice local restaurants.

There has been a lot made in some media outlets of his absence from OTAs this past offseason, apparently due to his being upset over his contract situation (which expires after this coming season).

Birk finally spoke publicly about the situation today, and I tell you what–Chad Johnson, Chris Baker and the rest could really stand to take some notes.

A few of Birk’s quotes:

“Obviously a lot has been made of the fact that I haven’t received a contract extension. That was just part of my decision process, not coming to OTAs. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of this team and play football for a living. But I consider myself more blessed with my family. With our situation right now, it’s a busy time. I was needed there more this offseason than I was here.” (Birk’s wife is pregnant with their 4th child).

“I’m very happy with my contract. I’ve never beefed about my contract at all. I’m very happy about it this year. I just have a desire that I want to be here for as long as I play. I would think that if I didn’t want to be here that would be more troubling. By like I say, it’s all about right now. You don’t need to be a football genius. I know I’m excited about … we’ve got a good corps group of guys that came back from last year’s team, really liked a lot of the moves that we’ve made. It’s exciting to be part of what’s going on here.”

Asked if he was upset about not being approached about a new contract, Birk said:

“How can I sit here and pout or be upset about anything? … I’m not entitled to anything. Nothing is owed to me. I know that in this thing the decisions are made all for one reason and that’s to win. Hopefully, I’ll be a part of it around here but we’ll just have to see. It’s not personal. I’m not going to be begrudge anybody for doing what they feel is like what’s best for the team.”

I could care less if he’s even just saying the right things as leverage to try to make the situation better for the negotiations–it’s damn refreshing to hear someone actually come out and say the right things, rather than just whine, whine, whine about not getting what is (or in many cases is not) due to them.

And I, for one, hope like hell that the Vikings do reward him with an extension that is reasonable, and ensures that he does finish his career in Minnesota.