The Ravens' signing of All-Pro center Matt Birk didn't make huge headlines around town. Offensive lineman are not exactly glamor boys in the world of pro football.
But Birk is a fascinating guy. He's a Harvard grad who obviously has intellectual interests that stretch beyond the football field. Birk is one of three active NFL players who recently agreed to posthumously donate their brains and spinal chord tissue to a Boston University medical school program that studies sports brain injuries.
The long-term effects of concussions on football players is an issue that has gained attention over the last few years. As part of the program run by BU's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, the players will be interviewed annually for the rest of their lives so researchers can examine the relationship between clinical symptoms and pathology, according to a story in the Los Angeles Times.
I give Birk and his fellow players all the credit in the world for their selfless and important decisions. Their actions could help many, many people live fuller lives in the future.
Photo: The Ravens' Matt Birk plans to posthumously donate his brain and spinal chord tissue for scientific research. (NFL Photos/Getty Images Sport)
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