Matt Birk's post-NFL career continues to advance rapidly.

The former Vikings and Ravens center was named the league's director of player development today.

According to a release from the NFL, Birk will "assist in developing the game at all levels of the sport, from players to coaches to front office personnel. He will also assist in the administration of NFL game day operations. Birk will guide the continued evolution of the Scouting Combine and Regional Combines as well as the annual all-star games for aspiring NFL players, such as the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game."

The St. Paul native was a six-time Pro Bowl pick in 15 NFL seasons who worked last season as an NFL/NFLPA appeals officer after retiring following Baltimore's victory in Super Bowl XLVII.