David Pollack is a former football linebacker and a college football analyst who worked for ESPN for 14 years. He was laid off by the network in 2023 as part of cost-cutting measures. He is currently an analyst for CBS Sports Network and hosts his own podcast.
David Pollack’s Time on College GameDay
Pollack joined ESPN in 2008 as a studio analyst and a co-host of the afternoon sports talk show on Atlanta’s 790 The Zone. He became a part of the pre-game show “College GameDay” in 2011 and was known for his knowledge and passion for the game. He also appeared on other ESPN shows such as “SportsCenter” and “College Football Live”.
However, in June 2023, Pollack was one of the 300 staff members, including 20 notable on-air personalities, who were dismissed by ESPN as part of cost-cutting moves by the television network. He was not on “College GameDay” for the 2023 season, ending his 13-year stint with the network.
What Happened to David Pollack’s Football Career?
Pollack had a stellar college football career at the University of Georgia, where he played for the Bulldogs from 2001 to 2004. He was a three-time All-American and the top college defensive player in the nation. He had 36 sacks during his collegiate career, third most in NCAA history. He also won several awards, such as the SEC Player of the Year Award (2002, 2004), the Chuck Bednarik Award (2004), the Lombardi Award (2004), and the Lott Trophy (2004).
Pollack was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals as the 17th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He played as a linebacker for the Bengals for two seasons, recording 29 tackles and 4.5 sacks. However, his NFL career was cut short by a neck injury that he suffered in the second game of his second season in 2007. He fractured his sixth cervical vertebra and had to undergo surgery to fuse it with the fifth and seventh vertebrae. He announced his retirement from football in 2008.
David Pollack’s Career After Football
After retiring from football, Pollack pursued a career in broadcasting. He started working for ESPN in 2008 and became a prominent college football analyst. He also hosted his own podcast, “Family Goal Podcast”, which talks about sports and family. He is married to Lindsey Pollack, a former cheerleader at the University of Georgia, and has two children, Nicholas and Leah.
In 2021, Pollack signed a multi-year contract extension with ESPN, but he was let go by the network in 2023. He then joined CBS Sports Network as an analyst for the “Inside College Football” show. He also continues to host his podcast and is involved in other ventures and projects.
Pollack is also an active philanthropist and supports several causes, such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He also runs his own foundation, the Pollack Family Foundation, which aims to help children and families in need.
David Pollack is a former football star who has overcome a career-ending injury and has made a successful transition to broadcasting. He is still passionate about the game and shares his insights and opinions with the fans. He is also a devoted family man and a generous giver who makes a positive impact on the community.
