Story Photos
 Mack Strong hands an autographed football back to Tyler Hill, 10, at the book signing for Curt Simmons's book at the LCC student center Wednesday afternoon. Tyler's grandmother, Carol Hill, is behind him. Greg Ebersole / The Daily News
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Fans flock to see Mack Strong, the 'Unsung Hero'
Thursday, November 20, 2008 6:36 PM PST
By Rick McCorkle
Printable version
E-mail this articleThroughout the years, the Seattle Seahawks had a number of running backs who scampered for more than 1,000 yards in a season and earned All-Pro status.
Chris Warren, Ricky Watters and Shaun Alexander all had recent success tearing up the KingDome and Qwest Field turf. But the unsung hero behind their success was fullback and lead blocker Mack Strong, who opened the defensive line holes so the backs could get the yardage.
Strong was recognized by his peers with Pro Bowl selections in 2005 and 2006, and is the subject of the book “Unsung Heroes — The Mack Strong Story” written by former local resident Curt Simmons.
Simmons and Strong visited the Lower Columbia College Student Center on Wednesday to sign copies of the book and discuss football with students and Seahawks fans.
“The book isn’t just about me, but of people in the world who do a lot of things behind the scenes who don’t get a lot of attention,” Strong said. “Without these people, life would be a lot harder. We try to make a connection with a fullback on an NFL team and not getting a lot of glory, and how that relates to common people.”
Strong said the book not only covers his on-field accomplishments, but the challenges he’s faced in his life before football along with the highs and lows of life.
“The book doesn’t just cover the good stuff,” he said. “It also shows the warts and blemishes, and I hope it’s something people can relate to and feel inspired by.”
The book is the latest offering from Simmons, who also wrote “Small-Town Heroes,” which examined life in Darrington, a small town in northern Washington, and its boys basketball team that won the state championship under Simmons’ father, LaVerne Simmons, in 1955 and ‘57.
Simmons has written spiritual books including “The Unveiling” and “The Revealer,” along with a book of poetry titled “Ode to the Old Testament.”
He earned an associate’s degree from Lower Columbia College in 1980 and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Western Washington in 1982. Simmons later entered into full-time ministry work in 1983 and has led churches in Lincoln, Neb., Cincinnati, St. Louis, Bellingham, Portland, San Diego, Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago. He’s currently on staff at the Chicago Church of Christ, which has a congregation of 2,500.
“I’ve known Curt for 10 years,” Strong said. “He used to lead a church in St. Louis, and we connected through a mutual friend when I was with the Seahawks and we played the Rams there every year. I read some of his books, including Small Town Heroes, and it really inspired me.”
Strong was flattered when Simmons approached him with the idea of writing a book about unsung heroes.
“I hope the book will call attention to people who don’t get a lot of credit,” Strong said. “I’m not a household name beyond the borders of the Pacific Northwest, but I was inspired when Curt explained to me what he was trying to accomplish. I thought it was a good idea and something people could relate to.”
The personable Strong was forced to retire after the 2007 season because of a neck injury, but stays connected to the team through “The Mack Strong Show,” a call-in radio show on KJR in Seattle. He’s also the host of Mack Strong-Seahawks Insider on Fox Sports Northwest.
Although Strong admits he misses putting on a Seattle uniform every Sunday, he said there’s certain aspects to professional football he doesn’t miss.
“I don’t miss waking up on Monday and being sore, and I don’t miss training camp,” he said with a chuckle. “I miss playing to a degree, and I miss the competition and getting ready with teammates to play the game.”
Strong said he also believes the Seahawks’ 2-8 record this season is an aberration of their recent success.
“Things don’t drop off that suddenly,” he said. “A lot of injuries to key players makes a lot of difference. You don’t want to give excuses, but it is what it is and the significant injuries changed the whole outlook of the season. We won’t see this again, and next year they will have the type of season like they were supposed to have this season.”
“Unsung Heroes — The Mack Strong Story,” along with other books by Simmons can also be ordered online at www.curtsbooks.com
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