start for the Vikings in week 10 against the Packers, but after a terrible performance by the Vikings in a 0–34 loss, Bollinger was listed as the 2nd string quarterback for week 11 with Jackson taking back the starting position. In 2008, the Minnesota Vikings drafted USC quarterback John David Booty in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. This meant that Bollinger would be fighting for a third string spot with Booty behind Tarvaris Jackson and veteran Gus Frerotte. After a disappointing preseason, Bollinger lost the third-string spot and was released by the Vikings on August 30, 2008. Dallas Cowboys On September 8, 2008, Bollinger was signed by the Dallas Cowboys after the team waived wide receiver Mike Jefferson. Bollinger was listed as the third string quarterback, backing up starter Tony Romo and his backup Brad Johnson. During week 6 of the season, Romo injured a finger on his throwing hand, leaving him out for a few games. After some failed performances by the veteran Brad Johnson, Bollinger made his first appearance for the Cowboys in the second half of the week 9 game against the New York Giants. Bollinger had only been working with the Cowboys starting line for a week prior to the game. With heavy pressure by the Giants defensive line, his first pass play he threw an interception which contributed to one of the Giants touchdowns. As the Cowboys offensive line performed terribly, Bollinger was sacked a number of times in his next few drives. However, later that quarter and into the start of the 4th quarter, with the Giants letting up and after the removal of several starters, Bollinger subsequently managed to lead a 75-yard scoring drive against the Giant defense, which was ranked 1st in the league at the time. He threw his first NFL touchdown as a Cowboy, a soft 9-yard pass to Terrell Owens. With Romo returning the next game and remaining healthy enough to play, Bollinger did not see any action until week 17 against the Eagles to replace a badly beat up Romo, throwing 1 pass for 8 yards to rookie tight end Martellus Bennett, thus ending the 4th quarter and the season for the Cowboys. Bollinger was not re-signed by the Cowboys after the season. Detroit Lions On September 1, 2009, Bollinger signed a pre-season contract with the Detroit Lions. He was cut on September 5, after