Tony Pollard had a busy schedule. The former Dallas Cowboys-turned-Tennessee Titans running back made a quick stop in Memphis, so attending the mental health summit was important to him.
Pollard stopped by the Bend Dexunt Blake Athlete Summit at Hope Church on Saturday afternoon. He was joined by keynote speaker CL Shepard and Memphis luminaries former Grizzlies player Tony Allen and rapper Project Pat.
The group spoke to Memphis-area high school students on Saturday. The two-day event began on Friday. Nearly 500 of her students attended the event from throughout the Memphis area, from high schools such as Whitehaven, KIPP, Manassas, Germantown, ECS, Oak Haven, Houston, and Briarcrest.
“Just being able to talk to the young guys, I’m just trying to make sure they’re on the right path and have the right awareness,” said Pollard, a former Memphis football player and Melrose standout. he told The Commercial Appeal.
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Shepard, who travels around the country speaking at gatherings similar to the two-day summit, wanted to empathize with students as someone who struggled with mental health issues as a teenager.
For Project Pat, Saturday was all about showing up around Memphis and continuing to make his voice heard where he can make an impact. Allen has increased his presence at such events in Memphis in recent months.
“I love targeting communities in need because at one point I was like that person,” Allen told The Commercial Appeal. “Growing up, I had a lot of problems that I thought were normal. That’s what I want to do. Let’s change the norm in our community.”
Tony Pollard talks about joining the Tennessee Titans
Several Hope Church students participated wearing Dallas Cowboys No. 20 Pollard jerseys. Those jerseys are now a throwback after Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Pollard joined the Titans in March, moving closer to his Memphis roots. Pollard said moving from Dallas to Nashville was a business decision, but said being close to his home was a “bonus.” The fact that he played within three hours of Memphis influenced his decision.
“I’ve been having fun. I’ve been able to go home more and see my family and my kids can play with their cousins,” Pollard said.
Being close to home also means Pollard can keep a close eye on the Tigers’ football team.
“It’s been a good program since I’ve been there,” Pollard said. “Every year they’re getting players into the league, so they’re definitely moving in the right direction.”
