2008 Woodie Awards
Bengals lose former Dog, regain another
FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Sports
As one former Bulldog returns to the NFL, another departs. Former Georgia defensive end David Pollack will retire from the NFL, according to the Cincinnati Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis on Tuesday.
After being the No. 17 overall pick by the Bengals in the 2005 NFL draft, Pollack broke the sixth cervical vertebrae in his neck in the 2006 season opener.
"He spent some time with me well over a week ago, and that's where it was headed," Lewis said to Bengals.com. "It's a tough, tough decision for his family ... [but] he's going to have an outstanding life. We know the quality of the person; he's got such a bright future in whatever he does." Last season Pollack worked on SEC Game of the Week and also made an appearance as a guest coach in Georgia's 2007 G-Day game.
Pollack's retirement comes just a day after the NFL announced former Georgia linebacker Odell Thurman has been reinstated.
Thurman was the second-round pick by the Bengals in 2005. Before the 2006 season, he was suspended for four games for violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy. On Sept. 27 of that year, the suspension was lengthened to the remainder of the season. Thurman missed the entire 2007 season when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell declined to reinstate Thurman. On Jan. 26, the NFL cleared Thurman to work out with the team, but had not officially reinstated him until Monday.
The Miami Dolphins, who have the first pick in the draft, have signed a contract with former Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long. The contract is for five years and worth $57.75 million. The St. Louis Rams have the second pick, followed by the Atlanta Falcons.
- Marshall Duncan
After being the No. 17 overall pick by the Bengals in the 2005 NFL draft, Pollack broke the sixth cervical vertebrae in his neck in the 2006 season opener.
"He spent some time with me well over a week ago, and that's where it was headed," Lewis said to Bengals.com. "It's a tough, tough decision for his family ... [but] he's going to have an outstanding life. We know the quality of the person; he's got such a bright future in whatever he does." Last season Pollack worked on SEC Game of the Week and also made an appearance as a guest coach in Georgia's 2007 G-Day game.
Pollack's retirement comes just a day after the NFL announced former Georgia linebacker Odell Thurman has been reinstated.
Thurman was the second-round pick by the Bengals in 2005. Before the 2006 season, he was suspended for four games for violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy. On Sept. 27 of that year, the suspension was lengthened to the remainder of the season. Thurman missed the entire 2007 season when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell declined to reinstate Thurman. On Jan. 26, the NFL cleared Thurman to work out with the team, but had not officially reinstated him until Monday.
NFL predicted to draft former Dogs
The 2008 NFL Draft will begin this Saturday at 3 p.m. Rounds three through seven will be held on Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. Entire coverage can be seen on ESPN. Former Georgia players such as Thomas Brown, Marcus Howard and Brandon Coutu are expected to be drafted during the two-day event.The Miami Dolphins, who have the first pick in the draft, have signed a contract with former Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long. The contract is for five years and worth $57.75 million. The St. Louis Rams have the second pick, followed by the Atlanta Falcons.
- Marshall Duncan
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