Roger Pollard Obituary: The Tragic Death of a Beloved Coral Gables Football Coach

Roger Pollard, the head football coach at Coral Gables Senior High School, died by apparent suicide on January 23, 2024, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department. He was 46 years old. Pollard’s death has shocked and saddened the Coral Gables community, where he was widely respected and admired for his leadership, passion, and dedication to his players and students.

Who Was Roger Pollard?

Pollard was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, on June 15, 1977, to Ora and Anna Mae Pollard. He had a sister, Sonia, and a brother, Timothy, who preceded him in death. He grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in him a strong sense of family values, humor, music, and sports.

Roger Pollard graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1995, where he was a star athlete in football, basketball, and track. He earned a scholarship to play football at the University of Toledo, where he majored in education. He was a four-year letterman and a two-time captain for the Rockets, playing as a defensive back and a linebacker. He was also a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

After graduating from college in 1999, Pollard began his coaching career at his alma mater, Portsmouth High School, where he served as an assistant coach for four years. He then moved to Florida in 2003, where he worked as a defensive coordinator at Miami Central High School for two years. In 2005, he was hired as the head coach at Coral Gables Senior High School, a position he held until his death.

Pollard was more than just a coach to his players and students. He was a mentor, a teacher, a father figure, and a friend. He cared deeply about their academic success, personal growth, and well-being. He often helped them with their homework, tutored them for exams, and counseled them on life issues. He also organized community service projects, such as feeding the homeless, cleaning the streets, and visiting nursing homes.

Roger’s impact on the Coral Gables football program was remarkable. He led the Cavaliers to nine playoff appearances, four district titles, and two regional championships. He also produced several college and NFL players, such as Frank Gore, Kayvon Webster, and DeMarcus Van Dyke. He was named the Miami Herald Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2015, and the Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year in 2015.

Pollard was not only respected by his own team, but also by his opponents and peers. He was known for his sportsmanship, integrity, and professionalism. He was a member of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association and the Miami-Dade County Coaches Association, where he served as the president in 2017. He was also a member of the National Football Foundation and the American Football Coaches Association.

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A Mystery Surrounding His Death

The circumstances surrounding Roger Pollard’s death are still unclear and under investigation. According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, Pollard was found dead in his home in Coral Gables on January 23, 2024, around 9 a.m. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the head, and a firearm was recovered at the scene. The police have ruled his death as a suicide, but have not released any further details or motives.

Pollard’s death has left many questions unanswered and many people in disbelief. His family, friends, colleagues, and students have expressed their shock and grief on social media, saying that they did not see any signs of depression or distress in him. They described him as a happy, positive, and outgoing person, who always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. They said that he loved his job, his family, and his life.

Pollard is survived by his wife, Connie, whom he married in 1996, and his son, Brian, who is a sophomore at Coral Gables High School and a member of the football team. He also leaves behind his parents, his sister, his nephews, his nieces, and his extended family. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and cousin, who cherished his family above all else.

Pollard’s funeral service will be held on January 29, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Coral Gables Congregational Church. His burial will follow at the Woodlawn Park Cemetery. A public viewing will be held on January 28, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Stanfill Funeral Home. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Roger Pollard Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will benefit Coral Gables High School students who excel in academics and athletics.

A Legacy of Love and Inspiration

Pollard’s death has left a void in the Coral Gables community, where he touched countless lives with his kindness, generosity, and wisdom. He was a role model, a leader, and a hero, who inspired many to pursue their dreams and overcome their challenges. He was a legend, a visionary, and a champion, who transformed the Coral Gables football program into a powerhouse and a source of pride. He was a friend, a brother, and a family man, who loved and supported his loved ones unconditionally.

Pollard’s life and legacy will not be forgotten. His spirit and memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him and loved him. His influence and impact will continue to be felt in the Coral Gables community and beyond. His story and message will be shared and celebrated by generations to come.

Roger Pollard was a man of service and excellence, a man of love and inspiration. He was a man who made a difference. He was a man who mattered. He was a man who will be missed. Rest in peace, Coach Pollard. You are gone, but never forgotten.