Pollack's career likely over

[Cianne]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2697810

Surgery could end career of Bengals LB PollackAssociated Press


CINCINNATI -- Bengals linebacker David Pollack will need surgery for the cracked bone in his neck, likely ending his football career.

Pollack cracked the bone while making a tackle against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 17 and was placed in a halo brace that immobilized his neck. Doctors told him that if the fracture healed on its own, he could resume his career.

The 2005 first-round draft pick was examined Thursday by a specialist who recommended surgery on the fracture, which hasn't healed as hoped. Pollack is expected to have the operation in the next few weeks.

Neither the Bengals nor Pollack had any comment on the development.

Pollack has full range of motion in his arms and legs, but he risks paralysis if he returns to playing football after surgery. Pollack said in October that doctors would have to fuse two vertebrae if the crack didn't heal on its own, a procedure that would likely end his career.

"One doctor said it: Not very many people walk away from a broken neck twice," Pollack said in October. "And that's something that kind of hits home, you know.

"When you fuse two vertebrae together, the likelihood for injury is greatly increased."

Pollack was a first-round pick out of Georgia and ranked second on the team with 4½ sacks as a rookie. He hurt his neck in the second game this season.

[SPURED]

that really sucks for him. he was a tremendous football player and i really enjoyed watching him play.

[fernandomike]

Pollack is such a fine person and was a spectacular player. The guy played hard every single snap and represented the Dawgs and the Bengals well both on and off the field.
While I am bothered to hear that his career is over, it is a blessing that the injury will not prevent him from having "full range of motion with his arms and his legs." It sounds like the biggest fallout is that he can't play football anymore. Without a doubt, that is a setback. But for a guy so smart and driven, it is fortunately not the end of the world.

[dcbama]

Gotta feel for David and his family, but he'll be just fine. He's a special guy that has a damn good head on his shoulders and is the type of person that every school wishes they had as a representative. His perspective through his injury has been nothing short of amazing. It's a shame his on the field talents won't be on display, but his personality and character will continue to represent UGA well. Best of luck in whatever lies ahead #47! God speed.

[Bburton86]

He was a damn good dawg.

[Gator2753]

I liked Pollack(except of course when he was chasing Leak all over Jax). He is a standout guy. I always enjoyed hearing stories of him and David being roomies & everything. It kinda reminds me of the braves Jeff F. & Brian M.
I wonder if David Green has had a chance to hang out with Pollack since the injury?

[GatorNation]

That's horrible. I hope he heals up and gets back out there....

Good luck, David!

[WallyGoat]

Salute to David Pollack. A good Christian man. I wish him the best in life and his family. :thumpsup:

[roosterbooster]

That kind of stuff never happens to the loud mouthed morons in the league. I enjoyed watching Pollack play even when he was taking the ball out of Corey Jenkins hands in the endzone. Pollack was a great example. He was relentless and never believed he was out of the play. Hopefully that attitude will bring him through this situation.

[gatorhater]

It's devastating to the Dawg Nation to hear that, but I saw an interview with Pollack. He was taking it unbelievably well. His quote was something like, "Being able to hold my kids one day is way, way more important than football. Yeah, football's nice, but life is about so much more." What a damn good dawg.

[WarEagle73]

Salute to David Pollack. A good Christian man. I wish him the best in life and his family. :thumpsup:

He was what I like to call an Example. The kind of person that I can feel good about my little boy seeing and looking up to him. We really need more men like him in the world. I will keep him and his family in my prayers.

[blockallhaters]

It's devastating to the Dawg Nation to hear that, but I saw an interview with Pollack. He was taking it unbelievably well. His quote was something like, "Being able to hold my kids one day is way, way more important than football. Yeah, football's nice, but life is about so much more." What a damn good dawg. I may hate your name but I agree 110%. Life is more important than any game and to be able to do all the things that a normal person would is a blessing.Pollack always played us tough and if anybody can beat this is him. Good luck our SEC brother!!!!!!!!!!

[gatorhater]

On the bright side, maybe he'll move back to Athens now. I know that he opened a coffee shop near campus after he got his signing bonus.

[Gator2753]

On the bright side, maybe he'll move back to Athens now. I know that he opened a coffee shop near campus after he got his signing bonus.
Im so there! Ill take mine black with two sugars!
:thumpsup:

[dcbama]

He was what I like to call an Example. The kind of person that I can feel good about my little boy seeing and looking up to him. We really need more men like him in the world. I will keep him and his family in my prayers.


Well said, WE73. He's a special, special person who will make a difference in whatever he does, football or not.

[WarEagle73]

Well said, WE73. He's a special, special person who will make a difference in whatever he does, football or not.

Thanks! :wave: