Mon Oct 8 21:09:26 2007

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Seattle FB Strong ends career due to injury

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Kirkland, WA (Sports Network) - Seattle Seahawks fullback Mack Strong announced the end to his 14-year NFL career on Monday due to a neck injury.

Strong, who was hurt early in Sunday's 21-0 loss at Pittsburgh, has an injury to his vertebrae.

"There was a herniated disk that pinched my spinal cord," Strong said. "It wasn't a stinger. It was a lot more severe than that. It won't need surgery, thank goodness. It should be something that will get better over time and I'm grateful for that."

"He felt a little tingling after one of the early plays, in his hand, and came out and said he was ok, went back in, had a little bit more of an episode in both of his arms," Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said. "So we immediately took him out of the game and that was it, and then we tested him today."

Strong finished his career with 230 carries for 909 yards and five touchdowns, and also had 218 catches for 1,456 yards and 10 TDs. He ranks second in Seahawks history with 201 games played, behind Joe Nash (218). More importantly, the two-time Pro Bowl selection was the lead blocker for Shaun Alexander, who was named the league's MVP in 2005.

"When it happened yesterday, then on the plane ride back, and when I woke up this morning I kind of felt it in my gut; that this was something significant," Strong said. "It wasn't just like any other injury or thing that I've had in my career before. This was a little bit more serious."

Holmgren also said wide receiver Deion Branch has a foot sprain and will miss the next two games, at home against New Orleans and the Cardinals. Holmgren said he's aiming for Branch to return after the bye week when the Seahawks play at Cleveland on November 4.