Former ESPN broadcaster, David Pollack has lived a life of hard knocks—first as an All-American defensive lineman at Georgia Bulldogs, then as a first-round NFL draft pick with 29 tackles and 4.5 sacks before a neck injury ended his career, and later as one of CFB’s most respected voices. But nothing could have prepared him for the battle his family is facing now. His wife recently underwent a grueling surgery at Duke Hospital in North Carolina, a fight against brain cancer that has left the community rallying around the Pollacks. Faith has been at the center of their journey, and even in the toughest moments, their belief remains unshaken.

The former Cincinnati Bengals man, Pollack, was yet to update how the surgery went, but just now he did. So, that’s why the support from figures like Bob Stoops and Ryan Clark meant so much. These aren’t just casual well-wishers—they’re legends in their own right, men who know what it means to fight through adversity.

Bob Stoops, the 18-season Oklahoma Sooners head coach who brought a national championship to Norman in 2000, and Ryan Clark, the former LSU safety and Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XLIII champion who faced his own near-fatal sickle cell-related crisis, joined the outpouring of support for David Pollack and his wife, Lindsey.

Lindsey Pollack’s heartwarming health update followed David Pollack’s emotional video, which he shared after her six-plus-hour surgery. In the video, Lindsey, arms moving and eyes closed, reacted to the song “Goodness of God,” a moment of pure faith and resilience. David Pollack captioned it, “My Babydoll’s morning after a 6+ hour surgery. I mean ain’t God good?”

The response was immediate. “Too good!! Blessings DP,” Clark commented, while Stoops, a man of few words but deep conviction, simply posted, “🙏🙏🙏.” Sometimes, words aren’t enough. Sometimes, the simple power of presence and prayer says everything that needs to be said.

It was a stark contrast to the message Pollack had posted just days earlier, when he first shared the devastating news. “I do not share much of my personal life on social media but today is gonna be different,” he wrote. “If you are the praying type please lift up my wife Lindsey. She has brain cancer and surgery is Wednesday at Duke. So thankful to serve a loving God that meets us in our struggles!” It was raw, vulnerable, and unfiltered—coming from a man who has always worn his heart on his sleeve. In an era where social media often feels superficial, this was something real.

Beyond their personal fight, the Pollacks have long been committed to helping others. David and Lindsey Pollack, who grew up together in Gwinnett County, Georgia, started as rival high schoolers—DP from Shiloh, Lindsey from Parkview. That shared history is why they started The Pollack Family Foundation, which has been huge for families in Athens and Greater Atlanta, helping with basic needs and opportunities. Even in the midst of their own battle, their mission remains unchanged—to give back, to lift others up, to make sure no family fights alone.

This isn’t just a football story. It’s a life story. It’s about faith in the face of fear, about a community that goes beyond wins and losses.

The football world rallied around David Pollack’s wife before surgery

Beyond Clark and Stoops, as David Pollack’s wife, Lindsey, prepared for brain cancer surgery, a wave of support, love, and prayers poured in from former teammates, media, and friends.

Pollack’s former College GameDay colleague Rece Davis shared a heartfelt message, saying, “We will be steadfast in prayer. So many people love you, Lindsey, and your entire family. Psalm 130:2.” Pat McAfee, always known for his high-energy presence, kept it simple but powerful: “All my positive vibes and prayers, brother.”

ESPN NFL Fantasy Football insider Field Yates added his own message of encouragement: “Praying for Lindsey and your entire family. Love you, DP.” Kirk Herbstreit, who worked alongside Pollack during his time at ESPN, also tweeted a similar message: “Prayers for Lindsey and the entire Pollack family.”

Former UGA tight end Benjamin Watson spoke with faith and reassurance: “Praying for you, man. Thank you for sharing with the body on this platform. The Lord hears the prayers of his people. Love you.” The Pollacks are facing an unimaginable battle, but they aren’t facing it alone.