In this powerful return episode of The Pure Athlete Podcast, we welcome back College Football Hall of Famer and host of See Ball Get Ball, David Pollack, three and a half years after his first appearance. Now raising a 17-year-old son committed to Clemson football and a 16-year-old standout basketball daughter, David shares raw, honest insights on how sports parenting evolves in high school—from shifting roles as “commander” to “coach” to “friend,” to giving kids true ownership of their journey. He discusses the challenges of the modern, transactional NIL recruiting world, balancing support without taking over, and why surrounding your children with the right people and culture matters most. David also opens up about his wife Lindsay’s major brain surgery and ongoing battle with cancer, and how their family has grown stronger through adversity, gaining powerful lessons in resilience, faith, and perspective. With his signature intensity, humor, and vulnerability, he covers why parenting gets harder yet more meaningful with independence, building family values that outlast sports, praying through hard things, and what coaches and parents must prioritize for long-term success and character. A must-listen for parents, coaches, and athletes. Tune in now—also check out David’s new book, Every Day Counts: Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can.