Mack Strong

Mack Carlington Strong^[1] (born September 11, 1971) is a former American football player who was a fullback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons. After playing college football for the University of Georgia, he was signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1993. Strong was selected the Pro Bowl twice in his career, in 2005 and 2006. He currently is a football sportscaster for Root Sports Northwest.

Early years

Mack Strong was born in Fort Benning, Georgia. He attended Brookstone School in Columbus, Georgia, and was a letterman in football, basketball, and track. In football, he had 4,414 rushing yards and 86 touchdowns during his career.

Professional career

Originally signed as free agent out of Georgia, Strong played his entire 15-year career with the Seahawks. He has blocked for three 1,000-yard rushers: Chris Warren, Ricky Watters, and Shaun Alexander. He held the Seahawks team record for longest rush in a playoff game with a 32-yard run during the 2005 divisional playoff game against the Washington Redskins until Marshawn Lynch's 67-yard rush against the Saints on January 8, 2011.

In 2005 Strong was selected to his first NFL Pro Bowl and chosen as an Associated Press All-Pro. He was known as one of the best blocking fullbacks in the NFL. Strong was again selected to the Pro Bowl in 2006.

Retirement

In the 2007 season Strong suffered a herniated disk in his neck that was causing trauma to his spinal cord against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The injury was said not to be paralysis threatening if Strong discontinued his playing of football. On October 8, 2007, Strong announced his retirement after 15 seasons due to this injury.^[2] After discussions with head coach Mike Holmgren, he was able to take on a position assisting the team's running backs. While being interviewed on Monday Night Football on November 12, 2007, he hinted at a possible future in the broadcast booth. Mack and his wife, Zoe, devote their time to working with the Washington Chapter of HOPE worldwide, a non-profit organization. Mack is a founder of their signature program in Washington state, the Mack Strong TEAM-WORKS Academy.

Personal life

Mack and his family currently reside in Pullman, Washington.

Broadcasting career

On July 30, 2008, Fox Sports Northwest announced that Strong would be joining the network's talent team. In addition to providing insight and commentary on FSN's Seahawks coverage, he also was given his own show, titled "Mack Strong: Seahawks Insider".^[3]

References