Tony Pollard goes Pro! Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Melrose High School graduate and former University of Memphis Sport and Leisure Management major, Tony DeShawn Pollard, the son of Torria and Tarrance Pollard and brother of Tneshia and Terrion Pollard, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys NFL team in the 4th Round of draft picks on April 26, 2019. A celebration, held in Tony’s honor, was held May 3, 2019, in his family’s restaurant, Pollard’s BBQ, located at 4560 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, TN. Tyrone Hunt, Servant and Senior Pastor at the Healing Cathedral Christian Center, 4523 Elvis Presley Boulevard, opened the program with a prayer. “We have bright stars in this city,” said program supporter and emcee Hazel Moore of Hazel’s Hair Fashions, who is affectionately known as the Mayor of Whitehaven. “We want to always recognize them for their talents, as Pastor Tyrone Hunt said, for their gifts God has given them to move on, to move this city [forward].” Moore then informed those in attendance that Mayor Jim Strickland was in attendance and stated, “We have our city mayor here, let’s have him to come up and make his presentation. He always comes to Whitehaven when we ask him!” As Mayor Strickland approached the crowd, he reminded everyone that Hazel Moore is the Mayor of Whitehaven and stated, “I appreciate her letting the Mayor of Memphis in here!” The crowd cheered and laughed at his remarks. Strickland acknowledged all the Cowboy fans in attendance, including Dewayne Brown and several members of the M Town Cowboy Collection, before announcing that he was a Tiger fan. “I got to thank Tony for being a Tiger,” said Strickland as he began to comment on what attracted the Dallas team to the athlete. “I’m a season ticket holder, so I saw all of those kickoff returns. There were a lot of them, 7, a NCA record. All the rushes, all the receptions, the ball games, all the good times at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Tony, you’re going to Dallas and you’re going to all of these big NFL cities but, you know Memphis will always be your home and we will always love you.” Strickland proceeded to read the following from the Proclamation prepared for the event. “Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Jim Strickland, Mayor of the City of Memphis, do hereby claim May 3, 2019, as Tony Pollard Day in the great city of Memphis!” Although on the program, Shelby County Commissioner Van. D. Turner Jr., Shelby County Mayor, Lee Harris, and City of Memphis Councilmember Jamita Swearengen where unable to attend the event due to conflicting schedules. The celebration continued with Creative Dizigns owner, Melony Walker, who presented a painting. Several other speakers, including family members, briefly spoke during the congratulatory celebration. Pollard’s paternal cousin, Kortney Powell, was extremely excited for his cousin’s accomplishments. “Tony worked hard to make his dreams come through,” said Powell. “We are very proud of him and we are all very excited!” (Far left, top) City of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland (right) was present to present former Melrose and University of Memphis student, Tony Pollard, with a proclamation claiming May 3, 2019, Tony Pollard Day in recognition of him being picked up by the Dallas Cowboys football league in the fourth round drafts held April 26, 2019. Pollard left Memphis on May 6th headed to camp where he signed a reportedly $3.19 million dollar deal that included a $667,780 dollar signing bonus. Pollard’s base salary will be $495,000 in his first year of play. Not bad for a 22 year old rookie, huh? (Bottom) Melony Walker, owner and artist at Creative Dizigns, presented Tony Pollard with a special painting to commemorate his being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys during the event. A special poster featuring a picture of Tony in his University of Memphis uniform greeted celebration attendees inside Pollard’s BBQ, 4560 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, (Top right) Tony attended Melrose High School where he graduated from in 2015. On hand at the celebration was principal Mark Neal (left with mic) who spoke about Tony’s presence during his short time being principal and getting to know him. Also pictured is Hazel Moore who is affectionately known as the Mayor of Whitehaven because of her dedication and commitment to improving and highlighting the many positive things going on in the area. Moore was an instrumental force in making sure the event took place, offering to emcee the event herself, and invited the Mayor and many of the other special guests in attendance. (Bottom right) Present before the event started, making sure everything and everybody was in place and at the right place was Pollard’s paternal cousin, Kortney Powell. Powell was having trouble containing his excitement. He expressed sincere appreciation of and for his cousin’s accomplishments and was on hand to ensure things went better than planned. (Above left) Officer R. Jefferson commends Tony, a former participant at the Raines Station Precinct in Whitehaven. (Above right) Joyce and Johnny Rudd were among the many relatives on hand to celebrate Tony Pollard’s being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. 13
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