Mack Brown is my hero

**Derka Derka** · 11-10-2009 04:55 PM

So, as many of you know, Antwan Cobb is a good friend of mine. He's like a little brother to me. Well he and I have another good friend, Sean Hearn, who is like a big brother to me. Right now Sean is currentloy in Austin until the 18th, on his R&R. He serves as part of the 130th CST, and has been in Iraq for the last 6 months, fighting for our country. Sean is from Pflugerville, but as lived in a few places growing up. But no matter where he's been, he's always been a Longhorn. On Memorial Day 2007, Sean's fiancee at the time had a broither fighting in the war. Kile G. West was killed in action. This moved Sean Hearn to do something about it, and join the US Army. Sean went to Basic Training, left as the Honor Grad, and is now a Combat Engineer, basically a bodyguard for Lt.Cl's over seas.

Well, with Sean back in town, Antwan wanted to something special for him. So Antwan arrangeed for Sean, myself, and another friend to take a tour of all of the UT facilities. This was arranged last Saturday, after the game. Anyone who sat in or near section 31 may have seen all of us cheering our asses off for the Horns, and for Antwan. So Twan decided to give us a little treat. Now, I have been around the facilites quite a bit, but I had never been to many of the places which were shown to me yesterday. Another thing I had never seen, was people like Tony Jeffrey, Ken Rucker, Jordan Shipley, Tray Allen, and Sam Acho, looking at a man with such admiration and thanks. Everyone who me met who was affiloated with the program showed so much unbelievable respect and thanks for what Sean is doing, it was moved. He and I were moved to tears a few times yesterday.

So towards the end of our tour, after seeing Ricky and Earl's shrines, the MNC trophies, Mad Dog's office, and even The Correction Room, a bubble connected Moncrief-Newhaus, where Sean ran the 40, overlooking a scenic downtown Austin, Antwan led us to the coaches' offices. As we went back in that area, we were met by7 Mack's receptionist, a very kind woman, who treated us like Kings. Once Twan told her that Sean was here from Iraq, she said, "Hold on a second, let me see if Coach Brown is around." This was amazing, bnecause if you only knew how Sean fells about Mack Brown, your heart would fill with joy. She walked us into his office, and started showing us around. She showed us a Medal of Honor which was given to Mack by a WWII Vet. She showed us all of his rings, even asking us if we'd like to wear Mack's NC ring. (um, hell yes). She showed us Earl's Heisman, and some more UT related war memorabilia. Right around that time is when we heard that voice.

Mack Brown, who had zero idea that this tour was even going on just 5 minutes ago, walked into his office and acted as if we had had an appoinment with him which was set months ago. This man is 100% real and genuine. He came in shook everyon'es hand, and looked us in the eye. He called us by name for the entire half hour or so that we were in there. We all kept feeling like this man's time was so important that we needed to hurry up and leave, but Mack simply would not let us. I can't tell you how many times Mack said, "Wait, before you guys leave, I want to show you this." He acted as if we were long lost pals, reuniting for the first time in ages.

At one point, after saying that, he walked over near his desk and opened a door. Antwan's eyes got wide, and he said, "Wow, I've never even been in this room." Mack took us into the coaches room, where they all get together and gameplan, and make the big decisions. Sean walked over to take a picture in a seat, and Mack told Sean where he sat. Sean immediately got up and walked over to Mack's chair. Watching him soak up that moment was awesome. After my buddy and I also sat in the chair, and after some more conversation, we were ready to leave, already on cloud nine. That's when Mack looked at Sean and said, "Sean, take a picture in my chair at my desk." "Coach, are you sure?" "Have a seat Sean." You should have heard when Kirkendoll and Tray found out that we got to sit in that chair. It was epic.

All in all, yesterday was without a doubt one of the best days of my life, and of Sean's life as well. We were on cloud 11 for the rest of the night. You always see Mack on TV, and maybe some of you have even scored a few seconds of solo time with him. But spending a good half hour with this man in his office, having him treat us like royalty, like family, was just unbelievable. Mack Brown is an amazing man, and an even better human being, and yesterday is a day that none of us involved, not even Antwan, will ever forget. Hook Em Mack. You are my hero, along with my big bro Sean.

Antwan, Sean, and myself in the Defense room

touching the Horns

Coach Rucker talking to Sean

Mack's ring

Again

Mack showing Sean and our friend Matt some memorabilia

Sean telling Mack about Iraq

Sean and the Heisman

Myself and Mack, with Earl's Heisman

Sean at Mack's desk

and our favorite picture of the day:

Earn the Right. Love it. Oh, and one last thing. As we left Mack's office, my buddy Matt said to Coach Mack, "Coach, who do you want, Alabama or Florida?". Without missing a beat, Mack replied, "Baylor." Hook Em.

**Bobby Light** · 11-10-2009 04:57 PM

that's $#@!ing awesome Derka. i wish i could do that.

**Urinal Cake** · 11-10-2009 04:59 PM

You're white?

**BigBrother** · 11-10-2009 05:00 PM

Good stuff.

**Michael Knight** · 11-10-2009 05:01 PM

I hope you took the opportunity to mention to Mack how much Greg Davis sucks

**beer** · 11-10-2009 05:02 PM

seriously...you look like my brother. eerie. cool pics dude.

**Gehrig** · 11-10-2009 05:02 PM

Spectacular.

**AstroHorn2001** · 11-10-2009 05:03 PM

Awesome thread, Derka. Thanks very much for sharing.

Mack's kindness never ceases to amaze me.

I hope yall joked with Mack to get Antwan a couple more carries, kid is a beast !!

**elguapo** · 11-10-2009 05:03 PM

Awesome stuff, thanks for sharing.

**Jive Turkey** · 11-10-2009 05:03 PM

this was all after a game? damn. that makes it even more allsome.

great stuff.

**edit**

looks like the plan was made after the game. i thought the tour was after a game.

Mack still rules.

**Derka Derka** · 11-10-2009 05:04 PM

Oh, one last thing. This Saturday, Antwan will have "130th" and "CST" on his eye black. After Antwan makes a tackle or a big block, if you see him "throw up the X", that's his shoutout to Sean. Again, an amazing day that I will never forget.

**Traffic** · 11-10-2009 05:04 PM

Derka - thanks for sharing that. I'm proud Mack is our coach. And thanks to your friend Sean for serving our country. hook 'em

**Ruby Soho** · 11-10-2009 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Urinal Cake

You're white?

**Viper** · 11-10-2009 05:16 PM

wow, awesome post. simply amazing to hear.

**bigup2dahorns** · 11-10-2009 05:18 PM

great post and pics derka. mack brown is the man. i have been very fortunate to spend a little time around him and it's very special, he is the real deal.

oh, and man if you knew you were gonna meet him, maybe coulda busted out a little derka derk freestyle for the occasion!

**spankytoes** · 11-10-2009 05:21 PM

So...did you freestyle Texas Fight?

**The Dude** · 11-10-2009 05:21 PM

badass.

**Bevoette** · 11-10-2009 05:22 PM

awesome stuff! thanks for sharing with us!

I will watch Cobb, he should be able to do the same as he did last Sat. on special teams

**OakHill Horn** · 11-10-2009 05:24 PM

cool

**NorthLoop** · 11-10-2009 05:31 PM

thats awesome derka

**Longhorn_Fan68** · 11-10-2009 05:32 PM

Have been a fan of Mack Brown since the day he walked onto the 40 Acres. We are fortunate to have him as not only our head coach, but in a big was an ambassador of the University. Derka's post just adds additional icing to the cake.

**qB1012** · 11-10-2009 05:32 PM

cool story and pics.

**closetojumping** · 11-10-2009 05:36 PM

Good stuff, man. Happy for you guys. Hope your friend does well overseas when he goes back, too.

**WoLF2001** · 11-10-2009 05:41 PM

$#@!ing awesome Derka...

just awesome..

**Horn21** · 11-10-2009 05:43 PM

awesome story and pics.

**Doc Reeves** · 11-10-2009 05:44 PM

<<<<---- Jealous

I hate you. Damn.

I got to chat with him for about 15 min when I was still in school and I thought I was cool.

Thanks to your buddy for his service

**Tx2DaBone** · 11-10-2009 05:47 PM

Thats awsome!

**wacohorn27** · 11-10-2009 05:48 PM

That's awesome. It's great to have a man like Mack Brown leading our football team.

Tell your friend to be safe and we all look forward to him getting to see a game at DKR after he gets back.

wh

**fortyakers** · 11-10-2009 05:49 PM

Badddd assssss

Thanks for sharing. $#@!ing awesome. Mack is the epitome of a class act.

**Valdemsi** · 11-10-2009 05:54 PM

that is a awesome story. I have a friend who served in Iraq and loves Texas and was stationed with a bunch of Longhorn fans. I wish i could give him something like this. He would die to walk around and see everything.

**jrj9384** · 11-10-2009 05:55 PM

nice story man..thanks for sharing.

**RabidHorn** · 11-10-2009 06:02 PM

I have such a man crush on Mack.

**Trumpette09** · 11-10-2009 06:03 PM

Connor_Macleod · 11-10-2009 06:07 PM

good $#@!

**capnamerca** · 11-10-2009 06:08 PM

bad.ass. Great story, Derka, and please pass along our thanks to Sean for everything he does.

And I, too, have a man crush on Mack. I wrote a long missive on HF after the '06 Rose bowl, about how glad I was that someone didn't have to be an ass (Saban, Meyer), or a total workaholic (Saban, Tressel), or a player-endangering douche (Stoops) to win a title in this day and age. Mack goes about his business with class, and he knows that football isn't all that important, in the grand scheme. The things he did with you and Sean are a testament to that, and I'm pretty sure the players notice, as well. He's using his position to make our guys better people, not just better football players.

**orangeut** · 11-10-2009 06:33 PM

Mack's such an a'hole.

JK

.

**CPHornFan** · 11-10-2009 06:33 PM

Just $#@!ing amazing. I've always had huge respect for Mack but that respect is now off the charts. That's a great story and it explains why Mack is such a great recruiter. What kid wouldn't want to play for Mack? (Other than the kind of $#@!ed up thug that likes to play for stoops.)

And give a big thanks to your friend for his service.

**smoky b** · 11-10-2009 06:35 PM

very cool

**Sii** · 11-10-2009 06:35 PM

I love Mack Brown. I know texas is in good hands with WM when Mack steps down but that will still be a very sad day that will prob hit me pretty hard

**Mr. (W)right** · 11-10-2009 06:38 PM

That's $#@!ing awesome, dude.

and this post isn't getting enough love--

Originally Posted by spankytoes

So...did you freestyle Texas Fight?

win.

**slorch** · 11-10-2009 06:42 PM

awesome and a story that will be hard as $#@! to beat!

**Johnny Utah** · 11-10-2009 06:50 PM

for Mack and

for your friend and his service (and all our military).

**cam4mav** · 11-10-2009 06:51 PM

great post

**Lonestarman** · 11-10-2009 06:52 PM

Great story, man. Those pics are pretty damn awesome, as well.

**THujone** · 11-10-2009 07:03 PM

Great post.

**Pimphand** · 11-10-2009 07:05 PM

Badass story DD

**Hollywood Colt** · 11-10-2009 07:29 PM

wow. great story...thanks for sharing.

**Grippe** · 11-10-2009 07:56 PM

Serious chick moment as I wipe a tear trying to find its way out of my eye.

God Bless Mack.

**McNelly** · 11-10-2009 07:56 PM

Simply. Awesome. ..Derka, thanks so much for sharing. Mack is the best. Please tell your friend, Sean, that he is one of our heroes, and thank him for his service to our country from all of us.

**mez2** · 11-10-2009 08:05 PM

Bad.$#@!in.ass

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