Tony Pollard, the running back for the Dallas Cowboys, has been one of the most talked-about players in the NFL over the past couple of seasons. Known for his explosiveness, agility, and impressive ability to make plays in both the running and passing games, Pollard has become a key figure in the Cowboys’ offense. As the 2025 season approaches, Pollard finds himself more focused than ever on the task ahead: starting fast and finishing strong while ensuring that his workload is more evenly distributed. After all, a more balanced approach, both in terms of how many carries he gets and how the offense is structured, could be the difference between a promising season and one that falls short of expectations. This year marks a significant opportunity for him to prove that he can shoulder the load for the Cowboys while maintaining the high level of performance that has earned him a spot as one of the most dynamic backs in the league.
Pollard’s journey in the NFL has been anything but typical. Entering the league as a fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft, many experts viewed him as a developmental player who would eventually back up then-starter Ezekiel Elliott. However, Pollard quickly exceeded expectations, proving to be far more than just a change-of-pace back. His explosive runs, ability to make defenders miss, and consistent ability to find the end zone made him a fan favorite and a key part of the Cowboys’ offensive strategy. By 2023, he had earned a starting role after Elliott’s departure and had firmly cemented himself as one of the most versatile and dangerous running backs in the league.
However, even with Pollard’s talent, the Cowboys’ offense had some ups and downs in recent seasons. While Pollard’s individual performance was often stellar, one recurring issue was the need for a more balanced approach in terms of how carries were distributed. For much of his career, Pollard had to contend with limited touches, sharing the backfield with Elliott for several years. And even though Pollard was undeniably effective with the opportunities he did receive, there was always the question of how his body would hold up if he had to take on an increased workload. Over the course of the 2023 season, when he was asked to become the primary ball carrier, it became apparent that Pollard had the skill set to thrive in that role. But as the season progressed, his body began to feel the toll of carrying such a heavy load week after week. This led to the decision, heading into the 2025 season, that Pollard would focus on getting off to a fast start and finishing strong, all while ensuring that his workload was more evenly distributed across the offense.
The importance of starting fast in the NFL cannot be overstated. For a running back like Pollard, getting into a rhythm early on can set the tone for the rest of the season. It allows him to get comfortable with the offensive line, develop chemistry with the quarterback, and establish a sense of confidence that can carry him through the highs and lows of a long season. Pollard has always been known for his ability to hit the ground running—both figuratively and literally—often ripping off big runs right from the start of games. But as he moves into a new phase of his career as the undisputed top back for the Cowboys, the challenge now becomes how to maintain that explosiveness over the course of an entire season, rather than just in isolated bursts.
One key to Pollard’s success in 2025 will be how effectively the Cowboys manage his workload. While it’s true that Pollard has proven capable of handling an increased number of touches, it’s also true that the wear and tear of a full season in the NFL can catch up to any player, regardless of how talented they are. That’s why Pollard has been vocal about the importance of distributing carries more evenly across the backfield, not only for his own sake but also to help keep the offense unpredictable and dynamic. By having a more even distribution of carries, the Cowboys can keep opposing defenses on their toes and prevent them from keying in solely on Pollard. The idea is to mix in other running backs and offensive weapons to prevent over-reliance on any one player, especially when that player is being asked to do so much.
In addition to a more balanced workload, Pollard’s focus on finishing strong is another key aspect of his approach to the 2025 season. The rigors of an NFL season are well known, and one of the most difficult challenges for running backs is maintaining peak performance late in the year. As the season progresses and defenses become more familiar with an offense’s tendencies, it becomes increasingly difficult to break off big runs. Injuries, fatigue, and wear-and-tear start to take a toll, and what was once an explosive player can find themselves slowing down as the season enters its final stages. Pollard’s emphasis on finishing strong, therefore, is a recognition that sustaining peak performance through the end of the season is essential not just for individual success but for the overall success of the Cowboys. With a more evenly distributed workload, Pollard hopes to be in a better position physically to close out games and help the Cowboys when it matters most in the postseason.
Throughout the offseason, Pollard has worked tirelessly to prepare for the increased demands of the 2025 season. His training regimen has included a heavy focus on building endurance, maintaining flexibility, and ensuring that his body is capable of withstanding the pounding that comes with being a feature back. Pollard knows that in order to handle a more evenly distributed workload, he’ll need to maintain his explosiveness, but also develop the stamina to carry the load over 16+ games, including the playoffs. This is where the science of rest and recovery plays a critical role. In the past, there was a tendency for workhorse running backs to burn out by the time the playoffs rolled around. Pollard is determined to avoid that fate, making rest, nutrition, and recovery a central part of his routine, alongside his daily workouts.
One of the advantages Pollard has in making this adjustment is the offensive line he’ll be working with. The Cowboys have one of the league’s most talented and well-coached offensive lines, a unit that has proven capable of opening up holes for any running back. In particular, the line’s ability to execute zone-blocking schemes allows Pollard to use his vision and cutback ability to maximize yardage. Having a solid offensive line can also help mitigate some of the physical toll that Pollard might otherwise experience by allowing him to get more runs to the outside, where he can use his speed to outrun defenders, instead of pounding it up the middle repeatedly.
Pollard’s ability to finish strong will also be influenced by how well the entire offense operates. As the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense, much of Pollard’s success will depend on the play of quarterback Dak Prescott, the wide receivers, and the overall offensive system designed by the coaching staff. The more effective Prescott and the passing game can be, the more space Pollard will have to operate, making it easier for him to hit the big plays. Conversely, if defenses start stacking the box to stop Pollard, it will be up to the passing game to open things up. The complementary nature of a balanced offense, in which the running game and passing game work together seamlessly, will be crucial in helping Pollard not only start fast but finish strong, as he’ll have more room to operate and won’t be forced into the kind of heavy-lifting role that could wear him down.
Ultimately, Pollard’s goal for 2025 is to prove that he can be the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense and carry them through the highs and lows of the season. He knows that it’s not enough to simply start fast—he needs to be consistent and keep producing throughout the season. By ensuring that his workload is more evenly distributed and by focusing on finishing strong, Pollard is setting himself up for a year that could not only elevate his own career but also push the Cowboys into contention for a Super Bowl title. It’s an exciting time for both Pollard and the Cowboys, as they look to build on their momentum and show the NFL that they are a team to be reckoned with.
