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 [Health & Healthcare](/categories/health-healthcare)

 # For Check for Cancer Champion David Pollack, Early Cancer Detection Is Personal

 


 

 May 19, 2026 1:00 PM ET

  ![David Pollack](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/check-cancer-champion-david-pollack_AFLAC_051926.png) 

[Originally published on Aflac Newsroom](https://newsroom.aflac.com/For-Check-for-Cancer-Champion-David-Pollack-early-cancer-detection-is-personal)

David Pollack is best known as a former University of Georgia football star, NFL linebacker and longtime college football analyst. A three‑time All‑American at Georgia, he was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals before a neck injury ended his professional career early.

While widely recognized as a star athlete, David is defined by his commitment to faith and family. He and his wife, Lindsey, have been married since 2005 and in their 20th year together, they were faced with the unexpected: Lindsey experienced sudden neurological symptoms that led her to get checked. Doctors later discovered a brain tumor that required urgent intervention. Her diagnosis was later identified as stage IV glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and difficult‑to‑treat forms of brain cancer.

**The road to cancer-free**

The immediate treatment was surgery, which marked only the beginning of a long and uncertain path forward. Following surgery, Lindsey faced significant physical challenges, including partial paralysis on the left side of her body, limiting movement in her arm and hand, as well as extreme fatigue and low blood pressure.

Over the weeks and months that followed, Lindsey began an intensive rehabilitation process, having to relearn basic physical functions, including walking. David stayed by her side, cheering her on and celebrating every improvement along the way — from first steps to eventually the ability to do light daily activities again.

“Those early days were nothing short of frightening and emotionally overwhelming, but there was one moment, just a few hours after surgery, that showed me how resilient and determined Lindsey is,” David recalled. “She couldn’t speak or even open her eyes, but when we played her favorite worship song, she lifted her arms in praise — something that not only shocked those of us around her, but also became a symbol of faith in what would be a successful journey ahead.”

Exactly one year after Lindsey’s surgery, David announced that his wife was cancer‑free, a milestone that many physicians and families facing glioblastoma never reach.

**A deepened commitment to service and advocacy**

David and Lindsey were very open about the diagnosis and treatment journey, posting often on social media to share progress updates. Initially, it was about a call for prayers in the midst of a crisis. Then, in the months following, David reflected on the experience and noticed a theme: Cancer can often go undetected until it becomes a crisis. That realization prompted him to become a vocal advocate for being proactive with your health — knowing your body, staying on top of important screenings and never postponing doctor visits, especially when something feels “off.” This is why he has been named an Aflac Check for Cancer Champion.

“You only have one body, and you need to care for it,” David said. “Don’t wait until a convenient time to check for cancer, because that time may never come. Prioritize your health and get checked, because early detection is the best line of defense.”

Reflecting on Lindsey’s experiences and challenges he has faced throughout his life, David recently wrote and published a new book titled, “[Every Day Counts](https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Counts-Start-Where/dp/B0FG6Z4N9L),” a mantra he uses to remind himself and others to deal with life’s challengers by starting where you are, using what you have, and doing what you can, just for today.

David — alongside Lindsey and their two children — continues to reinforce the importance of preventive health, especially when it comes to early detection, and that’s what makes him a champion.

*The Check for Cancer Champions program is part of Aflac’s Check for Cancer initiative, a bold, national movement to increase cancer screenings by 10% over 10 years. Learn more about the Check for Cancer movement by visiting* [*Aflac.com/CheckForCancer*](http://www.Aflac.com/CheckForCancer)*.*

---

*This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance.*

*Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999*

*Z2600304*  
*Exp. 5/27*



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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