File this under "stories you never thought you would see."

All the same: kudos to Matt Birk.

Per the Baltimore Ravens web site:

It wasn't long ago that Matt Birk was a 310-pound NFL center sporting a cut on the bridge of his nose and varicose veins.

Now just about eight months into his retirement, Birk is trying to become a model.

He's lost an incredible 75 pounds and 10 inches from his waist. Frankly, he looks like he's ready for an episode of "Baywatch."

Birk is in the running to be the next Vi Model, which would feature him on the cover of The Challenge Magazine 2014 and turn him into the poster boy for Body By Visalus, a company that has the ultimate mission of ending obesity.

Birk needs votes to reach the finals of the competition, and fans have less than four days to cast their ballots here.

Look at that picture. Mind-blowing, right?