The NFL head coaching carousel didn’t disappoint in 2024. It ended with the Washington Commanders hiring former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their new head coach.
In 2024, you’d think the news would spread fast thanks to social media. However, that wasn’t the case for Dallas running back Tony Pollard. How did he learn of Quinn’s departure from the Cowboys?
Tony Pollard Learns of Dan Quinn’s Departure on Podcast
2023 was the first season Pollard got to start the full season for the Cowboys at running back. However, despite the Cowboys coming up short in the playoffs, Pollard still made his way to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl.
As a part of the infamous Radio Row, former NFL punter Pat McAfee and his sports talk show ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ had guests from all across the league on, including Pollard. They asked Pollard for his thoughts on Quinn’s departure, to which he responded that he didn’t know it had happened.
"I just found out right now that Dan Quinn is the Head Coach of the Washington Commanders..
He does a great job and he gets the most out of the guys he coaches" ~ @Tp__5
You're off the grid 😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/UGpctnpBdj
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 7, 2024
“I just found out right now that Dan Quinn is the head coach of the Washington Commanders,” Pollard said. “He does a great job, and he gets the most out of the guys he coaches.”
Pollard shared that he hadn’t been on social media, deleting Instagram midway through the season. “To be a Cowboy, you have to find ways to keep your mental on point,” Pollard said.
Coming into 2023, Pollard was franchise-tagged by the Cowboys. The tag essentially put him on a one-year, $10.1 million contract. This means he is set to be a free agent when the new league year starts on March 13 — unless he and the Cowboys come to terms on a new deal.
He started all 17 games in 2023, rushing for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns on 252 attempts. He also caught 55 passes for 311 yards and no touchdowns. It was, however, the least efficient he’s ever been, averaging just four yards per attempt.
Pollard was in his fifth season with the Cowboys after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has 762 career carries for 3,621 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also added 175 receptions for 1,319 yards and five touchdowns.
Before 2023, Pollard had just four career starts. He had been the second running back on the depth chart behind then-starter Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott was cut on March 15, 2023, later signing with the New England Patriots.
KEEP READING: Why Weren’t Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, and Mike Vrabel Hired? A Look At A Historic Coaching Cycle
When the new league year starts, Pollard will be a free agent alongside other big names like Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, and his former teammate Elliott.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!