What happens when the dream you’ve built your life around suddenly disappears?
How do you find your identity when success, career, or the thing you’ve always known is taken away? And what does it really look like to follow Jesus through adversity instead of simply talking about faith when life is easy?
In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike Linch sits down with David Pollack—College Football Hall of Famer, three-time All-American at the University of Georgia, former first-round NFL Draft pick, ESPN college football analyst, author, and founder of the Pollack Family Foundation.
David opens up about his incredible journey from Shiloh High School to Georgia football, the NFL, and beyond. He shares how a career-ending neck injury reshaped his identity, how coaches like Mark Richt and mentors helped form his faith, and why suffering became one of God’s greatest tools for transforming his life.
These are the leadership principles you won’t want to miss:
Your Identity Is Bigger Than Your Career
Why David says football became “a terrible god”—and how losing the game he loved ultimately strengthened his relationship with Christ.
Adversity Is God’s Greatest Classroom
How career-ending injury, personal hardship, and family trials taught David to trust God more deeply and discover purpose beyond success.
The Power of Coaches and Mentors
Why the right coach can change the trajectory of a young person’s life—and how Mark Richt, Kevin Hines, and others modeled authentic Christian leadership.
Sharing Your Faith Starts With an Invitation
The simple invitation that introduced David to Jesus and why living a life worth emulating is often the most powerful witness.
Habits Shape Your Future
How daily disciplines, intentional rhythms, and spiritual habits create leaders who remain faithful when life gets difficult.
Leading With Faith Every Day
David explains why following Jesus isn’t about rules—it’s about freedom, purpose, and becoming the same person on and off the field.
