Pollard Catch

[Lavonna Baldree]

Hes 36, the oldest player on the Patriots' 80-man camp roster. After four seasons of 40-plus catches in the prime of his career, he's managed just 40 in the last two years combined. And after spending his first 10 years in the NFL with Indianapolis, he's now trying to catch on with his third organization in the last three seasons.

"I look at myself as a par-6. It's a long shot for me to be here," said Pollard after practice yesterday at the club's training camp. "It's a long shot for me to be here (in the NFL) for 14 years, but I'm just grateful that I was blessed with some ability and some great coaching and being able to play with some good people along the way."

If Pollard is able to win a spot with the Pats, it won't be the first time he's bucked the odds. His lengthy pro career started without having even played football in college. At least not what he termed "real" football.

"That was my aspiration going into college," he said. "I always wanted to play basketball. That was my first love, but I was always better at football. Football came easier to me. Basketball I had to work at more."

At 6-foot-3 and (then) 225 pounds, Pollard didn't quite have the size necessary to make the leap to the NBA as a power forward. But there still was that other sport, where everything always came easy for Pollard.

But he did have plenty of athleticism, and his size, while small to battle for rebounds in the paint, matched up better against safeties and linebackers. Bradley athletic director Ron Ferguson set up a tryout with the Colts, and Pollard showed enough to stick around for 10 seasons, becoming a favorite target for Peyton Manning.

The road from college hardwood to NFL tight end has become a well-worn path in recent years, traveled by some of the game's best at the position. Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez played both sports at Cal before becoming a perennial Pro Bowler, while San Diego's Antonio Gates made everyone take note of the trend as he went from All-MAC power forward at Kent State to All-Pro tight end with the Chargers.

"I think Antonio has been really good about letting people know I was one of the first guys," said Pollard. "And even if they did say Antonio was the first guy, that wouldn't bother me. It's not about me beating on my chest saying, 'Hey look, I was the first guy.' I just go out to play and hats off to Antonio for what he's been able to accomplish."

Pollard's accomplished a bit himself, with 349 catches for 4,280 yards and 40 touchdowns over his career. But after establishing himself in Indianapolis and turning in a solid first season in Detroit in 2005 (46 catches, 516 yards), Pollard managed just 10 receptions the following year before exiting Detroit.

He hooked on with Seattle last year and rebounded a bit with 28 catches for 273 yards, but his stint with the Seahawks will be remembered mostly for his disastrous outing in the divisional playoffs when Seattle lost 42-20 in Green Bay. Pollard had a costly fumble and two key drops, including one in the end zone.

"I was kind of a little down at how I finished the season last year," Pollard admitted. "I didn't know if I'd get another shot. When Bill (Belichick) called me, I just wanted to get right to it and started working out.

"I didn't want to be down," added Pollard. "But at 36, how many teams are calling? But I think Bill's done an excellent job of taking veteran players who a lot of guys think are on their last leg and are washed up and really making them good players and making sure they can still produce for his team."

Pollard's production might be a little different than in his previous NFL stops. He's been known more for his pass-catching abilities, but the Pats have that covered with starter Benjamin Watson and sure-handed David Thomas.

What they don't have is an established blocking tight end since releasing Kyle Brady in the offseason. Pollard hasn't been asked to be a primary blocker in the past, but with a playing weight now at 255 he has the size to do the job. More importantly, he has the willingness to change his job description to stay employed.

"That's been my reputation, but I've tried to make myself more of a complete player," said Pollard of being known strictly as a receiver. "I can't just be a one-dimensional guy. I want to be able to stick my nose in there and make some blocks too."

Correct me if I am wrong but haven't they rule catches like that, not out, recently?

Once the ball crosses that boundary line, I have seen them say not out. Could be IPL is one thing and something else for other cricket.

In reply to imusic

I thought the one he took in Australia in an ODI was better. The best catch I saw was taken was by Sobers at short leg. most people wouldn't see that ball but Sobers took it comfortably low to his right,

In reply to imusic

If the Pollard catch is the best ever.. Then I had seen it done before in the 80s.

at a Canadian Trial at Ross Lord Park.

This man was one of the finest Al-round cricketers, I had in Canada but the friends he kept.................

I disqualified Drake's catch in the World Cup because he should have been on the boundary. Instead he was in "no man's land" where he could not save a single or boundary,thus.. the catch was made harder than it should have been.

BTW: Every time I see Pollard in the field..he reminds me of Lloyd.

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First salt water fishing experience with my son. Captain Jim made everything easy and relaxing. His expertise of the area was tremendous. The first line he casted for my son, he hooked a large trout which made my son extremely happy. We caught numerous species of fish along with seeing the bays wildlife. Once we were finished and got back into our vehicle, my son asked when we were coming back to fish with Captain Jim. My son and I now have memories that will last a lifetime. We definitely plan... More

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