Top 10 NFL Players Teams Gave Up On Too Soon

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks the game winning field goal from the hold of punter Pat McAfee (1) against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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#9: Matt Birk

One of the most unsung offensive lineman of the past decade. Matt Birk wasn’t the most hyped up offensive lineman of all-time but he was no slouch. As a center with the Minnesota Vikings he was one of the most dominant at his position, reaching six Pro Bowls in a seven-year span. They reached the playoffs five times with him on their roster but by 2009 were ready to cut the cord. He was 33-years old and bound to fade soon.

It looked like the right choice since the Vikings went to the NFC championship that same year, but in a fateful twist of irony they fell short and got to watch him complete the journey elsewhere. Always a team that loves to offer old vets opportunities, the Baltimore Ravens signed Birk to become their starting center. He never missed a game in three seasons with them and helped pave the way for their Super Bowl title in 2012, retiring that off-season.

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