Former Raven Matt Birk gives Gino Gradkowski a vote of confidence
Matt Birk spent a year mentoring Gino Gradkowski. Then he spent a year watching him, and Gino was excited to learn from such a great player.
After Gradkowski’s up-and-down 2013 season replacing Birk as the Ravens’ starting center, the elder statesman is as convinced as ever that Gradkowski is still the long-term solution despite media and fan chatter that the Ravens need a change.
“He is the guy, no question,” said Birk, who was back in Baltimore Thursday to promote his new book, “All-Pro Wisdom: The 7 Choices That Lead to Greatness.”
“It’s a process. It’s a journey. I think the best thing Gino has going for him is his attitude and his character. That comes through when you’re playing football. As a Ravens fan myself, I don’t worry about Gino.”
I am sure many people doubted Matt Birk’s abilities as well but he had a Hall of Fame career, and it is a pretty huge vote of confidence for our former Diamond in the Rough Gradkowski. I believe Gino is a very special player and I would not be surprised if he has a great season.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com