by Lance Callihan
31. August 2009 12:00
Tom Mack is an 11-time Pro Bowler who was elected into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1999. But as a senior in high school, Mack didn’t get one single scholarship offer. Only after his football and swimming, yes swimming, coaches convinced U of M that he would be a project that would develop by his junior year did Michigan finally offer. During
his first eligible year to play, his sophomore year, Mack failed to earn a varsity letter as he simply wasn’t very good as a tight end or defensive end, his two primary positions.
Going into his junior year, Mack found the solution to all his woes. In his own words he was, “Blind as a bat.” Mack was moved to tackle for his final two years at U of M where he helped lead the Wolverines to a Big Ten Title and a Rose Bowl Berth. To this day Mack is thankful it took him four years to find his way, "I think I was lucky that it didn't happen for four years. Then, I probably wouldn't have finished engineering school. If I didn't have that engineering degree."
Going into the 1966 drafts, Mack was faced with a dilemma. Would he play for the AFL or the NFL. Leading up to the draft many representatives called him to see where his alliances stood, even Vince Lombardi. Mack was first drafted by the Miami Dolphins of the AFL, he turned down their overtures. Next up, he was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Rams. Mack signed with the Rams, was moved to offensive guard, and was the only rookie to play for them in 1966.
Throughout his stellar NFL career Tom Mack became known for his durability as he played in 184 consecutive games. His 11 Pro Bowls rank 4th All-Time in NFL History. He was elected to Michigan Hall of Honor in 2006.
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