The Legend of Troy
In April of 2003 the Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the greatest trades in franchise history. They traded the 27th, 92nd and 200th picks overall to move up to the 16th pick to draft the one and only Troy Polamalu. Truly the rest is history.
Polamalu went on to play 158 regular season games, record 770 tackles, 12 sacks, defend 100 passes, intercept 32 and score three touchdowns in what will prove to be a Hall of Fame career. He was the cog that made the new version of the Steel Curtain tick. The defense was a force with the likes of Polamalu, Brett Keisel, James Farrior, James Harrison, Ike Taylor and many more. That group, led by the quiet leader, #43, went on to help the Steelers win two Super Bowl titles and play in one more.
Polamalu played in 8 pro bowls, won defensive player of the year and team MVP in 2010 and was a fan favorite in Pittsburgh for 12 seasons.
His flowing hair draped his back like a Super Hero’s cape and he often made super human plays. He’d jump the line of scrimmage without touching even a jersey on another player, he intercepted Joe Flacco to seal the 2008 season AFC Championship as he ran the ball in for a Super Bowl appearance clinching touchdown, he scooped the ball with his fingertips against San Diego for an interception, to name a few. He’d play at the line of scrimmage, he’d drop back, he was the X factor in a defense that was already confusing enough for opposing quarterbacks. With all the big names the black and gold had on that side of the ball over the years, the player the opposition worried about the most was Troy Polamalu. He was impactful on just about every down and he will be remembered for the many accomplishments he brought to the field.
The Legend of Troy isn’t just about football though, which is what makes the man special. Troy was a soft spoken individual of faith who could be ferocious on the field but speak so quietly off of it that you could barely hear him. Troy is a family man and a man of giving back. Polamalu and his wife Theodora partake in many charitable events that benefit children, the poor, the hungry and the needy.
Troy has a zest for life that clearly gave him a spark on the field but a grounded ego off of it. It’s not often a man who accomplishes so much on the gridiron, stays so level headed off of it. He may not have been an outspoken leader but he led by example and that’s the best way.
Troy cited his family when retiring the other day and it’s his time to be with his kids. I can only say I hope that my kids can turn out to be much like him as he’s a true role model, one that is much needed in today’s world of sports and he’ll be missed dearly by not only by Steeler fans but by football fans alike.
Surely Troy will continue his charitable endeavors but it is unlikely he’ll seek the spotlight or the attention, that wouldn’t be consistent with who he is.
Troy Polamalu, Hall of Fame Player, Hall of Fame Human, Legend.
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