Alex Mack doesn't know for sure if he'll continue playing football in 2022, but the 13-year center he certainly proved throughout the 2021 season that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank at age 36.
Mack's performance in his first season with the 49ers earned him his seventh career nod to the Pro Bowl, which was announced by his agency Younger & Associates on Monday. Mack was revealed as an alternate for the game in December after five 49ers—defensive end Nick Bosa, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and offensive tackle Trent Williams—were named to the initial roster. Samuel told reporters Monday that he plans on playing in the game (Sunday, February 6), while the status of the other 49ers Pro Bowlers was not discussed.
Mack didn't address being named to the Pro Bowl while talking with reporters on Monday, but he did take some time to reveal his mindset regarding his future. Mack is under contract for two more seasons with the 49ers after signing a three-year deal in March of 2021, but he plans on continuing to take things year-by-year when it comes to making decisions on his career. Based on his comments Monday, it sounds like Mack feels he's in a good spot if he chooses to return.
"After year ten, I always said I was going to take it one year at a time and take the offseason, see how everything felt and kind of go from there, so that's still where I'm at," Mack said. "I think that process has worked well for me. Just to comment a little bit on the decision to come here, I am so thankful to be part of this organization and be able to play this year and have the run we did. We didn't quite get it done, but I love this team, I love these guys, and I'm sure glad I made this choice."
Mack was pleased with his performance in 2021 and the time he spent with 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster. He was even able to grow as a player, which is something he didn't think would happen at his age.
"I thought I played really good ball," Mack said. "That's part of the reason why I chose this team and this offense. It's a system (in which) I know do really well. I thought I played a good game. I know Foerster, it was the first time I had him as a coach, and I think he was great. I learned a lot and had a really great relationship with him and really thankful to be able to come here and learn something new. I didn't really think I was going to do that in year 13. So it was a nice surprise to come here and develop and keep working hard and keep adding little tricks to my game."
Can Mack bring the same level of performance in 2022? That's something that will play into his decision on whether or not to return. He felt he had some quality football left in him when he signed with the 49ers, and if he feels the same way again, perhaps he'll be back for one more go-round.
"I was confident I could play at that level," Mack said. "That's part of the reason why I take the offseason to see how I'm feeling because I know what it takes to play a full year, and it's tough. It's a lot of commitment and a lot of work, and it's taxing on the body. And I felt confident coming into this year that I can get this done. I can do the job, and let's make a run. And we went pretty far."