It took Browns center 
After a tough first training camp in the National Football League, Mack learned how to play at the professional level and started all 16 games for the Browns in 2009. He did not miss a snap and was one of just four rookie offensive linemen, along with Buffalo’s Andy Levitre, Seattle’s Max Unger and Baltimore’s Michael Oher, to start every game that year.
Of those men, only Mack started every game at center.
“I had good teammates, so to come off, start fast and become a starter quickly, it was really about having good teammates around you to help you out, bring you up and teach you things gradually,” Mack said of his rookie season. “When you get to college, it’s to play and be good. Then, you want to get to the NFL and get good. So, it’s just a matter of those steps, becoming better every week.”
Mack helped block for a running game that averaged 4.2 yards-per-carry and 130.4 yards-per-game over the 2009 season. He helped clear the path for Jerome Harrison’s franchise record 286-yard performance in a win at the Kansas City Chiefs on December 20, 2009.
Mack started every offensive play with the exchange to the quarterback and was named to the Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America All-Rookie team, as well as USA Today’s All-Joe team for unheralded performances.
“As a whole offense, you want to be on the same page,” Mack said. “As the center, it’s your job to make sure everyone on the line knows what they’re doing and then, just start the play off and get everyone organized. It’s important to get the snap and everything. It’s what you need to do to be successful.”
HONING HIS CRAFT
In 2010, Mack again started every game and did not miss a snap for the Browns.
Behind his blocks, running back
“Every year, the goal is to get better,” Mack said. “You want to improve upon what you’ve done last year and every game, you want to be better than your last. It’s just been a constant goal every day, every week, to become a better player.”
He added, “The second year, I thought it was good to feel more comfortable, kind of know the system, know the coaches, know what to expect from the season. I think we did a good job as a whole team of improving in some games and as an offensive line, I thought we did a really good job.”
Mack cleared the way for five 100-yard running games and was named to Sports Illustrated’s All-Pro team at center
“He’s one of the premiere centers in the NFL,” left tackle
PRO BOWL RECOGNITION
When the initial Pro Bowl balloting results had been tabulated in 2010, Mack was named as an alternate to the NFL’s annual all-star game. However, an offseason phone call changed his status from alternate to member of the AFC roster.
In getting that phone call and appearing in the 2011 Pro Bowl, Mack became the first Browns center since Tom DeLeone in 1981 to play in the all-star game.
“It was pretty exciting. I would’ve liked to be voted directly in, but it is a big honor,” Mack said. “Getting the call late in the postseason saying I get to go to Hawaii and the Pro Bowl, it was very exciting.”
Upon hearing the news that he was going to the Pro Bowl, Mack made sure he informed his family and helped them get to Hawaii for the game. He also got the opportunity to share the Pro Bowl spotlight with Thomas, who made his fourth straight postseason all-star game in 2011.
“I’ve gotten a lot of support throughout my time,” Mack said. “My family’s been there for me and it was good to have them share that experience with me. With Joe being there, Joe knows what to expect, so he gave me little hints on what to expect from the Pro Bowl. He’s a great teammate and I really have to thank him for being a dependable, good guy knowing how to perform and play at this professional level. I was using him as a role model. This is a guy that knows what he’s doing and Joe is a really good person to watch and try to emulate.”
PLAYING THE GAME
Once his plane touched down in Hawaii, Mack made it a point to visit with some of the players on the AFC roster.
“I was excited to meet the other offensive linemen to see who they were, how they played and who else was there,” Mack said. “I play offensive line; I like my craft; I take it seriously and to go there and see some guys, see how they conduct themselves -- seeing some of the bigger ‘name’ guys is cool -- but they’re your co-workers.”
In addition to meeting his fellow offensive linemen, Mack also had the unique opportunity to score a touchdown.
Mack caught a lateral and cruised 40 yards down the field to score the game’s final touchdown.
“It was great to be able to grab the ball and have some fun in the Pro Bowl,” Mack said. “I think there’s better people on the field to run the ball, but it was pretty fun to do it once.”
Now that he has made one Pro Bowl appearance, Mack has set his sights on improving and possibly making another.
“It’s something I want to do again,” Mack said. “I don’t think if I made it or not, it would’ve changed anything. I wanted to come out of every season with my own goal of doing what I can to be the best player possible. Whether or not you make the Pro Bowl is kind of out of your hands. It depends on votes and how your team does. It’s not necessarily the only motivator; that’s a goal to achieve, but I want to be the best player.”
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