David Pollack was a star defensive end at Georgia and a first-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2005. He broke his neck in a game in 2006 and after two years of rehab decided not to return. During his rehab, he discovered broadcasting - and shifted gears in his career.
He started on the radio and joined ESPN in 2009 as a college football studio analyst. He also called games for ESPNU. Last year, he began working on the set of "College GameDay" and this year he’s calling Thursday night games with Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer and Samantha Steele - including Boise State-BYU. He still works on "GameDay" and will add the "BCS Countdown" show to his duties later this season. Question: Thursday’s a spotlight game for ESPN. What approach do you guys take to the broadcast? Answer: "It’s my first year. My approach is, ’Do whatever the heck I’m told.’ I think what you can expect is Rece Davis is an absolute professional. He can handle any situation. He can talk anything there is. He will call the game perfectly. Jesse is the analytical brain who will see the football stuff all the time. I’m the wild card, goofball. I’m going to say exactly what I feel at exactly that time. I’m not saying I’m always going to be right. I’ll probably stick my foot in my mouth a few times. I’m more inclined to say somebody messed up. It’s an interesting booth - we’re still working our way through it." Q: What do you like about the television work? A: "What’s not to like about it? This is my job. It’s such a blessing. I pinch myself sometimes. Now I’ve got a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old at home. You don’t feel like the best dad in the world when you’re gone so much during the season, but I love football. I got football taken away from me at an age I thought was way too soon. God kind of threw me a curveball. . Now I wake up on Sunday and I don’t feel like I just got hit by a train. I have to have football in my life . but I’d rather be doing this than playing football." Q: Is college football where you want to be? A: "Absolutely. I’m not going anywhere. This is right where I want to be. College football is way more entertaining. Pro football has its place - I’m a fantasy geek, as well - but college football, it’s the unpredictable nature of it, the upsets, and the fan bases are just absolutely crazy." Q: It’s been a quick rise for you. What have the past few years been like? A: "It’s kind of crazy to be going down one path in life, this is what I want to do and - whew - U-turn, and have to start over and find a new direction. And to find something else I enjoy and I’m passionate about . it’s been amazing. I didn’t really have time to lay out huge goals like I’m trying to be the next Kirk Herbstreit or something. It’s kind of cool three years into my broadcasting career I got to join ’GameDay,’ a show I watched in college every single Saturday." Q: Did you play at all after the injury? A: "I rehabbed intensely for two years, trying to give myself an opportunity. I knew it was a long shot. I had a bunch of metal in my neck. Being a linebacker in the NFL with a bunch of metal in your neck is a little bit different than being a quarterback. I wanted to give myself an opportunity but I knew deep down it wouldn’t be a smart decision for me to come back and play football. It wasn’t easy. You think you prepare your whole life for something you’re going to do." Gameday: Boise State vs. BYU fan facts COLOR SCHEME Fans are encouraged to wear orange and blue, depending on their section (visit broncosports.com and click on the Fan Zone tab for more detailed color scheme information). TICKETS About 120 tickets were available late Wednesday afternoon, all singles. For more information, call 426-4737 or visit the Bronco Stadium box office. STADIUM INFO . Gates open at 5:30 p.m. . Prohibited: noisemakers, large bags, outside food and weapons. Signs should fit in the area of your seat. GIVEAWAYS Look for free posters on the Hall of Fame Plaza at the Bronco Radio Network pre-game show starting at 5 p.m. FLYOVER Watch for Gowen Field A-10s as they fly above Bronco Stadium at the end of the national anthem. PARKING . Accessible stalls in the stadium lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $10 or free to Boise State accessible permit holders. . No in-and-out privileges. . Accessible spaces are designated by number. Vehicles must park in the correct numbered accessible space as designated on the permit. . Boise State discourages fans from parking on residential streets. STREET CLOSURES Grant and Euclid between Belmont and University will be closed through the end of the game for security operations. This will include the entire street and only residents will be allowed to enter to park. These streets will be restricted for all Boise State home games. HALFTIME Bronco Nation is honoring student-athletes and teams that have won a conference championship.
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