NFL combines the biggest bust
Georgia product David Pollack is too strong to be a D-player in the NFL. At least, that’s what people think after watching him perform at the 2005 NFL combined. Out of all the DLs in the combination, Pollack is 7th in 40 (4.81), fourth in vertical (37 inches), sixth in wide jump (118 inches) and first in the shuttle with a long shot (3.9 seconds – next closest is 4.07).
The Cincinnati Bengals picked Pollack 17th overall and, overall, got off to a good start to his NFL career. Pollack ended his rookie campaign with 4.5 sacks after just five matches started. It looks like he is taking on his new position quite well and will likely be a solid piece in the Bengals defence for many years to come. However, that all came to a halt on September 17, 2006. Pollack broke his sixth cervical vertebra during a game against the Cleveland Browns. While medical experts say Pollack could recover and potentially continue his career if recovery goes as planned, Pollack retired in 2008.
After retiring, Pollack founded a company called FanBan, which built banners for teams using professional photos. In 2008, FanBan helped raised over $4,000 in YMCA scholarships for underprivileged youth. In 2011, he joined ESPN’s College GameDay crew and has served as an analyst on that program ever since. – JH