Thank you Mack Strong

"Life is not easy, no matter what you are doing - whether you are playing fullback for the Seattle Seahawks or working a 9-5 job stocking groceries. There's a certain amount of pain involved in order to reach our goals and destiny in life, and a long time ago I decided I was willing to pay that price."

These words are from Mack Strong as he announced his retirement yesterday after 14-plus years with the Seahawks. Strong, playing the brutal position of fullback, is high up in the Seahawks' record book when it comes to longevity. That's a tough thing to do when you have to run into defensive linemen and linebackers all day long.

I've always marvelled at Strong's "strong" resolve to be the unselfish team player. Quietly going about his business day-to-day and year-to-year, it has only been recently that his efforts have been lauded. As Shaun Alexander became a superstar a few years ago, it became apparent that Mack Strong had much to do with that.

Strong sets a great example for us as a role model for commitment to excellence. Paying the price daily, whether as a player, coach, or parent is what we have to do to be successful in our vocation. That commitment sometimes comes with pain. But in the end, it's always worth it. Thank you Mack Strong for over 200 games as a player AND as a role model for hard work and dedication.

Dan

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