Bernard Pollard has never been one to shy away from controversy. Whether it was his play on the field, or his opinions off it, the former Titans captain has never been afraid to speak his mind. Most recently Pollard set his sights on brash offensive tackle, Taylor Lewan.
Pollard made an appearance this week on the Titan Up Podcast, an A to Z Sports Nashville broadcast hosted by Austin Huff and Jack Gentry, to discuss a multitude of burning questions regarding the 2020 Tennessee Titans.
The Patriot Killer was asked his opinion on the Titans’ current leaders and whether or not he believes guys like Taylor Lewan, Kevin Byard, and Malcolm Butler are fit to lead the team.
As you could probably guess, the former Super Bowl champ did not take it easy on Lewan.
It should be noted that the two played together in 2014 when Lewan was a rookie and Pollard was in his final season in the NFL. The two don’t seem to have exactly been the best of buddies either.
This would not be the first time Pollard has disparaged the 3-time Pro Bowl tackle.
PED’s aren’t on accident. Players know what they’re doing. Lewan got caught. #playerperspective #bernardpollardshow #PEDs #cheating #NFL #MyPassion #titans pic.twitter.com/gIRUHeiXFc
— Bernard Pollard Jr (@Crushboy31) July 24, 2019
Earlier in the offseason, Taylor Lewan acknowledged his leadership is an area that needs to improve, “For a while I shied away from that a little bit. I am more grounded and know who I am as a person. It’s important for me to take on a leadership role and it’s going to help the team.”
Taylor Lewan: "I owe it to this team to be a better leader."
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) May 28, 2020
Pollard has also been critical of the Titans in the past, accusing the team of having an “awful” culture.
The #Titans culture is awful. People dogged me for speaking the truth, but you’re hearing YOUR leader basically say we soft and we suck and no one cares. I said it before and I’ll say it again SELL THE TEAM! New coach. New GM. The fans deserve better.
— Bernard Pollard Jr (@Crushboy31) September 25, 2019
In Pollard’s defense, the team dynamic during his tenure in Tennessee (2013-2014) was terrible. The Titans went 7-9 and 2-14 during his two seasons in Nashville. With head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s inflexibility and the countless number of questionable personnel decisions of acting General manager Ruston Webster, the Titans were mired in mediocrity.
Those years were arguably some of the darkest years in the franchise’s 20-year history.
But that was then and this is now. The Titans are coming off of their fourth straight winning season, not to mention a trip to the AFC Championship Game. If you listen to the full interview, Pollard not only addresses his tweet, but gives his thoughts on where the team’s culture stands today.
Click the links below to listen to the full interview with Bernard Pollard.
Listen to the Titan Up Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Listen to the Titan Up Podcast on Spotify
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
