Mack Strong is the Seattle Seahawks former fullback player and running back coach; for more than 14 years Mack Strong has built an entire career full of Seahawk memories with just one fortunate NFL team. He recently retired after an unexpected career ending neck injury. Former Seahawk Coach Holmgren is quoted as saying, “Mack is one of the greatest men I’ve been around…great teammate, great leader”.

As a professional athlete, Mack was known to inspire people both in the stadium and in the community. Mack has received numerous awards from Seahawks staff and other NFL players, including the Unsung Hero award (2001, 2002) and the Ed Block courage award (2001). He is also the only multiple recipient of the Steve Largent Award, which he has won five times (2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006). On the field, Mack is second in Seahawk history for games played at 201 and is behind only Joe Nash (218). Mack was voted twice to the Pro Bowl and once to the All Pro Team in 2005; as well, he had the incredible opportunity to be a major contributor to the Seahawks journey to Super Bowl XL. In August 30, 2008, Mack joined the Fox Sports Northwest 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. Plus he can be heard on KJR regularly, and continues to stay active in various media responsibilities.

Some of his greatest achievements, however, are off the field. Mack has served on the Washington board of HOPE worldwide – a non-profit organization which develops programs around the world for the most underserved and in need. Alongside his wife, Zoë Higheagle-Strong who is the Executive Director of HOPE worldwide – Washington, Mack has been directly involved in founding the TEAM-WORKS Academy, a HOPE worldwide program that develops Strong Minds, Strong Bodies, and Strong Character in at-risk and Native Indian Youth and their surrounding community. Commencing in 2002 at the Seattle Indian Center, this program now serves students in Tulalip and Muckleshoot and has plans to expand to new sites. The TEAM-WORKS Academy program also hosts an annual Sports & Leadership Camp, which allows Native Youth from the Northwest to join together and be coached in sports and life by inspiring role modes who are collegiate and professional athletes.

For the past eight years Mack and Zoë have also devoted their time as the honorary chair to raise funds for “Childhaven” a non profit organization committed to stop the cycle of abuse and neglect of our children. Because of their outstanding commitment to enhancing the lives of children in the community,  Mack and Zoë received the 2009 Mark Mathews Service to Children Award.