“Despite the Tennessee Titans enduring a challenging 2-6 record as they head into Week 9, running back Tony Pollard has emerged as a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise disappointing season.”
- “Pollard has emerged as the Cowboys’ offensive cornerstone, showcasing his dual-threat ability with 453 yards on the ground, two rushing touchdowns, plus 25 catches for 191 yards through the air.”
- “As Dallas’s premier offensive performer, Pollard has displayed his all-around skillset by accumulating 453 rushing yards, finding the endzone twice, and contributing 191 receiving yards on 25 receptions.”
Is Tony Pollard playing today or not?
Here are three reports indicating that Tony Pollard will likely play today.
Both Easton Freeze of A to Z Sports and Ian Rapoport from NFL Network have reported optimism that Pollard will be in the lineup. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided an even more encouraging update, stating that the Cowboys’ running back is expected to take the field.
Early Life and College Career
Tony Pollard’s journey to NFL stardom began in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was born on April 30, 1997. A local product, Pollard attended Melrose High School, where he displayed his versatile athletic abilities in both football and track. His dynamic playing style and exceptional speed caught the attention of several college programs, but he chose to stay home and play for the University of Memphis.
At Memphis, Pollard quickly established himself as a multi-dimensional threat:
* He played from 2015 to 2018, redshirting his first year
* Earned recognition as a running back, receiver, and return specialist
* Set an NCAA record by tying the all-time mark with seven kickoff return touchdowns
* Averaged an impressive 30.1 yards per kickoff return
* Accumulated 941 rushing yards, 1,292 receiving yards, and 39 total touchdowns during his college career
NFL Draft and Early Professional Career
The Dallas Cowboys recognized Pollard’s potential and selected him in the fourth round (128th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. While some questioned whether his skill set would translate to the NFL level, Pollard quickly proved his worth:
Rookie Season (2019)
* Served as the primary backup to Ezekiel Elliott
* Rushed for 455 yards on 86 carries (5.3 yards per attempt)
* Added 107 receiving yards on 15 receptions
* Scored three touchdowns in his rookie campaign
Development Years (2020-2021)
* Continued to improve his rushing efficiency
* Demonstrated increased versatility in the passing game
* Earned more playing time through consistent performance
* Built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most efficient backs in terms of yards per carry
Breakout and Current Success
The 2022 season marked Pollard’s true breakout year, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection:
2022 Season Highlights
* Rushed for 1,007 yards, his first 1,000+ yard season
* Scored 12 total touchdowns
* Averaged 5.2 yards per carry
* Named to the Pro Bowl
* Emerged as the Cowboys’ most explosive offensive weapon
2023 Season and Beyond
* Received the franchise tag from the Cowboys
* Continued to serve as the team’s primary running back
* Successfully took over the lead back role from Ezekiel Elliott
* Demonstrated improved durability and consistency
Playing Style and Strengths
Tony Pollard’s success can be attributed to several key attributes:
Speed and Explosiveness
* Elite acceleration and top-end speed
* Ability to break long runs
* Exceptional change of direction skills
* Quick decision-making in the hole
Versatility
* Strong receiver out of the backfield
* Experience as a kick returner
* Capability to line up in multiple positions
* Effective in both zone and gap running schemes
Running Style
* Patient runner with good vision
* Excellent contact balance
* Ability to make defenders miss in space
* Strong finishing ability on runs
Impact on the Cowboys’ Offense
Pollard’s emergence has transformed the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive approach:
* Provides explosive play potential on every touch
* Creates matchup problems for opposing defenses
* Allows for more creative offensive formations and play-calling
* Complements the passing game with his receiving abilities
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
Beyond his on-field success, Pollard has maintained a relatively low-profile personal life:
* Known for his quiet, professional demeanor
* Active in community service in both Dallas and Memphis
* Focused on continuous improvement and development
* Serves as a role model for young athletes
Future Outlook
As Pollard continues his NFL career, several factors suggest continued success:
Strengths for Future Success
* Prime athletic age
* Limited wear and tear compared to other starting running backs
* Proven ability to handle increased workload
* Valuable skill set in modern NFL offenses
Areas for Continued Growth
* Pass protection development
* Durability with increased touches
* Red zone efficiency
* Leadership role development
Tony Pollard’s journey from Memphis hometown hero to NFL Pro Bowler exemplifies the modern NFL running back. His combination of speed, versatility, and consistent improvement has made him one of the league’s most exciting players to watch. As he continues to develop and refine his game, Pollard’s impact on the Cowboys’ offense and the NFL as a whole seems poised to grow even further.
His success story serves as an inspiration to young players, showing that with talent, hard work, and patience, it’s possible to rise from being a mid-round draft pick to becoming one of the NFL’s premier running backs. As the league continues to evolve, players like Pollard who can contribute in multiple facets of the game will only become more valuable.