![]() Polamalu with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 | |||||||||||||||
No. 43 | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position: | Safety | ||||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||||
Born: | (1981-04-19)April 19, 1981 (age 43) Garden Grove, California, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||||||||
Weight: | 207 lb (94 kg) | ||||||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||||||
High school: | Douglas (Winston, Oregon) | ||||||||||||||
College: | USC (1999–2002) | ||||||||||||||
NFL draft: | 2003: 1st round, 16th pick | ||||||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||||||
As a player: | |||||||||||||||
As a staff member / executive: | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Troy Aumua Polamalu (/ˌpoʊləˈmɑːluː/; bornTroy Benjamin Aumua;[1] April 19, 1981) is an American former professionalfootball player who spent his entire 12-year career as asafety for thePittsburgh Steelers of theNational Football League (NFL). An eight-timePro Bowl and six-timeAll-Pro selection, he was inducted into thePro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, his first year of eligibility.
Polamalu playedcollege football for theUSC Trojans, earning consensusAll-American honors in 2002. He was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the2003 NFL draft. He was a member of two Steelers'Super Bowl championship teams and was theNFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, helping them to another Super Bowl appearance. He was also the head of player relations of theAlliance of American Football. Known for his "range, explosiveness, and impact on the field,"[2] Polamalu is widely considered one of the greatest safeties in NFL history,[3] and is credited with playing a key role in the Steelers' success during the 2000s.[4][5][6][7]
Polamalu was born inGarden Grove, California.[8] His mother is Suila Polamalu.[9] Polamalu is ofAmerican Samoan descent.[10][11] He is the youngest of five children.[12] His father left the family soon after Polamalu was born. Polamalu spent his early years inSanta Ana, California.[13] At age eight, Polamalu vacationed inTenmile, Oregon with his aunt and uncle for three weeks; afterwards, he begged his mother to let him live in Oregon.[14] Concerned about the negative influences in nearbyLos Angeles, Polamalu's mother sent him to Oregon to live with his uncle, aunt, and cousins when he was nine years old.[12] Polamalu described his uncle, Salu Polamalu, as a disciplinarian who kept him straight.[12]
Polamalu graduated fromDouglas High School inWinston, Oregon. While there, he playedhigh school football.[15] Following his junior season, Polamalu was named to the All-State first team and was the All-Far West League OffensiveMost Valuable Player for Douglas High, which achieved a 9–1 record. He rushed for 1,040 yards with 22 touchdowns and had 310 receiving yards. On defense, he made 65 tackles and had eight interceptions. Despite playing in only four games during his senior season due to injury, he was named to the 1998Super Prep All-Northwest team,Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, and the All-Far West League second team. As a two-way player, Polamalu rushed for 671 yards with nine touchdowns and had three interceptions.[citation needed]
Polamalu also played high schoolbaseball andbasketball, where he received all-state and all-league honors.[16]
Polamalu received anathletic scholarship to attend theUniversity of Southern California (USC), and played for theTrojans from 1999 to 2002.[17] "I believe God named me Troy for a reason", he said (Troy was the ancient capital of the Trojans). "I was born to come here."[14]
Polamalu began his college career in 1999 as a true freshman, playing backup at safety and linebacker, while also contributing on special teams. While playing in eight games, he recorded 12 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. AgainstLouisiana Tech, he showed his effectiveness on special teams, blocking a punt. His freshman season was cut short when he suffered a concussion at practice. The injury sidelined him for four games.[18]
The2000 season marked the beginning of Polamalu's career. He opened his season starting againstPenn State, and recorded only two tackles but made an interception for a 43-yard touchdown.[19] While playing againstColorado, he made five tackles and recovered a fumble that set up a Trojan touchdown.[20] The next game, he again recorded five tackles and also sackedOregon State'squarterback. During a game againstOregon, he ended the game with 13 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and one interception. Later on, againstStanford, he made 11 tackles in the game. He set a career-high with 14 tackles againstArizona State and tied that mark againstNotre Dame. This marked his first year starting all 12 games at strong safety and he closed out 2000 with 83 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, one sack, two interceptions, and one touchdown.[18]
In2001, he had the best year of his college career. He started the season by being voted as the team captain, and in the season opener he recorded seven tackles and one tackle for a loss againstSan Jose State. AgainstKansas State, he had a game-high 13 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble. Polamalu continued his dominance againstStanford, making a game-high 10 stops, one tackle for a loss, and his first blocked punt of the season. In the next game againstWashington he had a game-high 13 tackles, two tackles for a loss, an interception that he returned for a 22-yard touchdown.[21] Throughout the next four games, Polamalu continued to have the most tackles in each game. He had a streak of six games in a row and eight total in the season where he led both teams in tackles. AgainstOregon State, he accumulated a game-high 11 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and a blocked punt that USC recovered. His streak ended againstCalifornia, when he had four tackles, but made a game-deciding play with an interception that he returned for a 58-yard touchdown.[22] The next week, the Trojans played their rival,UCLA. Polamalu had two tackles but made key plays when he blocked a punt and made an interception that set up key field goals for USC. He won his firstPAC-10 Defensive Player of the Week. USC went on to theLas Vegas Bowl againstUtah and Polamalu made a career-high 20 tackles, and three tackles for a loss. He finished his junior campaign with a team-high 118 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, one sack, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three blocked punts, and two touchdowns. Polamalu won USC's MVP award and was voted a first-team All-American by Football Writers and College and Pro Football News Weekly. TheAssociated Press voted him second-team All-American.[18]
For hislast season, Polamalu continued to uphold his big play reputation. After being voted team captain for the second consecutive year, he opened the 2002 season with seven tackles and one tackle for a loss in a victory overAuburn. The Trojans faced #18Colorado in the second game and Polamalu had a team-high 11 tackles. His performance in the 40–3 blowout over Colorado won him Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week. In the fifth game of the season, he injured his ankle on the first defensive series against #17Washington State. After sitting out a game, he returned against #22Washington and recorded five tackles and returned an interception 33 yards.[23] Polamalu then disruptedStanford for the third year in a row, accumulating a season-high 13 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and one sack. He played his last college game in theOrange Bowl against #3Iowa. A hamstring injury sidelined him for the majority of the game. Polamalu finished his senior season with 68 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, one interception, and three forced fumbles. He was voted a first team All-American by the Associated Press, Football Writers, ESPN.com, and Walter Camp, making him the first Trojan to be a two-time first-team All-American sinceTony Boselli in 1992.[18]
Polamalu finished his college career with 278 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, six interceptions, four blocked punts, and three touchdowns.[18]
In the last game of his college career in theOrange Bowl, Polamalu injured his knee in pre-game warm-ups and had very limited action in the game that day. The injury also caused Polamalu to miss theSenior Bowl and2003 NFL Combine.[24] On March 12, 2003, Polamalu participated at USC's pro day, along withCarson Palmer,Justin Fargas,Kareem Kelly,Sultan McCullough,Malaefou MacKenzie, and others. He performed the three-cone drill (6.75),[citation needed] short shuttle (4.37),[citation needed] and 40-yard dash (4.33) for NFL team representatives and scouts.[12]
ThePittsburgh Steelers initially had a verbal agreement withDexter Jackson, who was the reigningSuper Bowl MVP with the2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With an agreement in place with Jackson, the Steelers focused on drafting a running back in the first round. On March 12, 2003, Jackson signed with theArizona Cardinals after they added $2 million to their offer and increased his salary by $2.3 million in the first three-years.[25]
Polamalu was projected to be a late-first or early-second-round pick by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the top strong safety prospect byBLESTO and National Scouting Combines. The Steelers selected Polamalu in the first round (16th overall) in the2003 NFL draft.[26]
TheSan Diego Chargers, who had the 15th overall pick, had a major need at safety to replaceRodney Harrison but passed on the opportunity to select Polamalu by trading down and gettingSammy Davis andTerrence Kiel. The Steelers quickly made a move to bring Polamalu to their team. The Steelers believed so much that Polamalu could have a positive impact on their defense that they traded up from the 27th spot to the 16th spot, originally held by theChiefs.[27] The Steelers traded away the 92nd and 200th overall picks for the rights to switch first-round picks. The Kansas City Chiefs went on to draftLarry Johnson,Julian Battle, andBrooks Bollinger (the Bollinger pick was subsequently traded to theJets in the same draft) with the picks acquired from the trade. He has the distinction of being one of only two safeties ever drafted by the Steelers in the first round of an NFL Draft; the other beingTerrell Edmunds in 2018.[28]
Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | Vertical jump | Bench press | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 ft10+1⁄8 in (1.78 m) | 206 lb (93 kg) | 30+3⁄4 in (0.78 m) | 10+1⁄8 in (0.26 m) | 4.33 s | 43.5 in (1.10 m) | 25 reps | ||||||
All values from Personal Pro Day[24][12][29] |
On July 28, 2003, the Steelers signed Polamalu after a short hold out to a five-year, $12.10 million contract.[30]
On July 29, 2003, Polamalu arrived at training camp after missing the start of it due to a hamstring injury and competed with veteranMike Logan in training camp for the vacant starting strong safety job left byLee Flowers.[31]
Polamalu made his professional regular season debut in theSteelers' season-opening 34–15 victory over theBaltimore Ravens.[32] The following week, he made his first career tackle and finished with two solo tackles during a 41–20 loss at theKansas City Chiefs.[33] On November 30, 2003, he made four combined tackles and had his first career sack onCincinnati Bengals'quarterbackJon Kitna, in a 24–20 loss.[34] On December 23, 2003, Polamalu recorded a season-high six combined tackles in a 13–6 win against theCleveland Browns.[35] He finished his rookie season in2003 with a total of 38 combined tackles (30 solo) and four passes defensed in 16 games and zero starts.[36] Throughout the season, he was the backup strong safety and played primarily on special teams and in dime packages.[37] Defensive coordinatorTim Lewis was fired after the 2003 season.[38]
Head coachBill Cowher named Polamalu the starting strong safety over Mike Logan to start the2004 season and made his first career start in theSteelers' season-opener against theOakland Raiders.[39] He made seven combined tackles in their 24–21 victory.[40] The following week, he made a season-high 11 combined tackles, as the Steelers lost 30–13 to theBaltimore Ravens.[41] On September 26, 2004, Polamalu recorded six combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception off a pass fromA. J. Feeley during a 13–3 victory over theMiami Dolphins.[42] In Week 4, he made six combined tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass attempt byCarson Palmer and returned it for a 26-yard touchdown during the Steelers' 28–17 victory over theCincinnati Bengals.[43] In Week 10, against theCleveland Browns, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[44][45] In his first season under new defensive coordinatorDick LeBeau, Polamalu finished with a career-high 96 combined tackles (67 solo), ten pass deflections, five interceptions, and one touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.[46] He was named to the2005 Pro Bowl for the first time.[47]
TheSteelers finished first atop theAFC North with a 15–1 record.[48] On January 15, 2005, Polamalu started his first career playoff game and collected seven combined tackles, deflected a pass, and interceptedNew York Jets'quarterbackChad Pennington, during the Steelers' 20–17 victory in the AFCDivisional Round.[49] The Steelers were eliminated the following week after losing 41–27 in theAFC Championship to the eventualSuper Bowl XXXIX Champions, theNew England Patriots.[50]
He returned as the starting strong safety in 2005 and started theSteelers' season-opener against theTennessee Titans. Polamalu recorded three solo tackles, deflected a pass, and interceptedSteve McNair during the 34–7 victory.[51] On September 18, 2005, Polamalu had six solo tackles and sackedHouston Texans' quarterbackDavid Carr three times during a 27–7 victory.[52] He set the NFL record for the most sacks by asafety in a single game. On October 31, 2005, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles in a 20–19 victory over theBaltimore Ravens.[53] TheSteelers received a playoff berth after finishing second in the AFC North with an 11–5 record.[54] Polamalu finished the2005 season with 91 combined tackles (73 solo), six pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[55] The2006 Pro Bowl was his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.[56] In addition, he was named as a First Team All-Pro.[57]
On January 8, 2006, Polamalu made six combined tackles and intercepted a pass in a 31–17 victory over theCincinnati Bengals in the AFC wild card game.[58] On February 5, 2006, he started in his first career Super Bowl and collected five combined tackles in the Steelers' 21–10 win against theSeattle Seahawks inSuper Bowl XL.[59]
In theSteelers' season-opener against theMiami Dolphins, Polamalu collected a season-high ten combined tackles, defended two passes, and intercepted a pass attempt byJoey Harrington in the Steelers 28–17 victory.[60] On October 15, 2006, he recorded a season-high nine solo tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and returned an interception for 49-yards during a 45–7 victory over theKansas City Chiefs.[61] He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his game against the Chiefs.[62] He missed Weeks 13–15 with a shoulder injury.[63] Polamalu finished the2006 season with 76 combined tackles (57 solo), seven pass deflections, and three interceptions in 13 games and 13 starts.[64] He was voted to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and started the2007 Pro Bowl at strong safety.[65]
On July 23, 2007, the Steelers signed Polamalu to a four-year contract extension worth $30.19 million with $15.37 million guaranteed.[66] The contract made him the highest paid safety in the league, but was surpassed byBob Sanders on December 28, 2007, when he was signed to a five-year, $37.5 million contract with $20 million in guarantees.
In an article onESPN.com, Polamalu said, "I did not want to be a player who is jumping from team to team." Polamalu had repeatedly expressed his intent on staying with the Steelers.[67]
He remained the starting strong safety under new head coachMike Tomlin. On September 23, 2007, Polamalu recorded an eight combined tackles and made a pass deflection, as the Steelers defeated theSan Francisco 49ers 37–16.[68] He was unable to play in a Week 5 contest against theSeattle Seahawks with an abdominal injury. During a Week 15 matchup against theJacksonville Jaguars, he had a season-high ten combined tackles and a pass deflection in a 22–29 loss.[69] Polamalu had an injury plagued season and missed Weeks 12–14 with a sprained knee.[70] He finished the 2007 season with 58 combined tackles (45 solo) and nine pass deflections in 12 games and 11 starts.[71]
Polamalu was named a reserve to the2008 Pro Bowl despite having no interceptions and only playing in 11 games during the 2007 season.[72]
Polamalu suffered a hamstring injury during his off-season workout and missed the entire 2008 training camp.[73][74] He started theSteelers' season-opener against theHouston Texans and recorded three solo tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt byMatt Schaub during their 38–17 victory.[75] The following week, he had his second consecutive interception and four solo tackles as the Steelers defeated theCleveland Browns, 10–6.[76] He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his game against the Browns.[77] During a Week 3 contest against thePhiladelphia Eagles, Polamalu made five solo tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt byDonovan McNabb during a 15–6 loss.[78] This marked his third consecutive game with an interception. On November 16, 2008, he collected three solo tackles, defended a pass, and intercepted a pass bySan Diego Chargers' quarterbackPhilip Rivers, in an 11–10 victory. A fumble he returned for a touchdown at the end of the game was taken off the board as the officials ruled that San Diego had made an illegal forward pass, although head refereeScott Green admitted after the game that the touchdown should have been counted.[79] On December 7, 2008, Polamalu recorded a season-high nine combined tackles, deflected a pass, and had his seventh interception of the season off of a pass attempt byDallas Cowboys' quarterbackTony Romo during a 20–13 victory.[80] This marked his fourth consecutive game with an interception. He finished the season with 73 combined tackles (54 solo), a career-high 17 pass deflections, and a career-high seven interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[81] Polamalu was named to the2009 Pro Bowl as the AFC's strong safety after being given a unanimous vote by five experts.[82] He earned his second First-team All-Pro honor.[83]
TheSteelers finished first atop the AFC North with a 12–4 record.[84] On January 18, 2009, Polamalu made four combined tackles, deflected two passes, and intercepted a pass byJoe Flacco and returned it for a 40-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Steelers' 23–14 victory over theBaltimore Ravens in theAFC Championship.[85] He went on to start inSuper Bowl XLIII and assisted in making two tackles in the Steelers' victory over theArizona Cardinals, 27–23.[86]
On April 24, 2009, it was reported that Polamalu would be featured on the cover ofMadden NFL 2010, alongside Super Bowl XLIII opponent and Arizona Cardinals' wide receiverLarry Fitzgerald.[87]
In theSteelers 2009 season-opener against theTennessee Titans, Polamalu recorded six tackles and made a one handed interception on a pass attempt byKerry Collins before getting injured while trying to recover a blocked field goal.[88] He sustained a sprainedMCL injury to his left knee and missed the next four games (Weeks 2–5).[89] Polamalu returned in Week 6 and recorded four combined tackles, defended a pass, and made an interception during a 27–14 victory over theCleveland Browns.[90] On November 15, 2009, he reinjured his left knee in the first quarter of a 18–12 loss to theCincinnati Bengals. He missed the remainder of the2009 season and when asked on why he didn't return by John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Polamalu stated, "If I would have injured it again, the doctor was saying that it will be a career-ending injury, most likely. I had to face that."[91] Polamalu finished the season with 20 combined tackles (18 solo), seven pass deflections, and three interceptions in only five games and five starts.[92]
The Steelers playedTyrone Carter in Polamalu's absence and its defense fell from first in points allowed (223) and passing yards allowed (2,511) in 2008 to 12th in points allowed (324) and 16th in passing yards (3,447).[93][94] They finished with a 9–7 record and did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time under head coachMike Tomlin.[95] He was named to the Second Team Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2000s.[96]
In aSports Illustrated survey held in 2010 of 296 active NFL players, Polamalu was ranked the 9th "dirtiest player" in the NFL.[97]
In theSteelers' season-opener against theAtlanta Falcons, Polamalu recorded five combined tackles, defended a pass, and made a game-saving interception off a pass attempt byMatt Ryan with 1:45 left in the game. He sent the game into overtime, where the Steelers won 15–9.[98] During a Week 6 matchup against theCleveland Browns, he recorded a season-high seven combined tackles, as the Steelers won 28–10.[99] In Week 13, against theBaltimore Ravens, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[100][101] In Week 14, Polamalu collected two solo tackles, deflected two passes, and intercepted a pass attempt byCarson Palmer that was intended forTerrell Owens and returned it for a 45-yard touchdown. Polamalu sustained an ankle injury during the play, but stayed in the game, made another interception, and helped the Steelers defeat theCincinnati Bengals 23–7.[102] He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his game against the Bengals.[103] He was sidelined the next two games by the ankle injury. TheSteelers finished first in the AFC North with a 12–4 record and ascended back to first in the NFL for points allowed (232), but remained at 12th in passing yards (3,425). Polamalu finished the2010 season with 63 combined tackles (42 solo), 11 pass deflections, seven interceptions, one sack, and one touchdown in 14 games and 14 starts.[104] He received a bid to the2011 Pro Bowl, marking the sixth of his career.[105][106] He earned First Team All-Pro honors for the third time.[107]
After defeating theBaltimore Ravens andNew York Jets, the Steelers went on toSuper Bowl XLV to face theGreen Bay Packers.[108][109] He recorded three solo tackles in his third career Super Bowl appearance, but the Steelers were defeated by the Packers 31–25.[110] He was ranked sixth by his peers on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2011.[111]
On January 31, 2011, Polamalu was named theAP Defensive Player of the Year after receiving 17 votes, beating out for the award fellow USC Trojan and Packers' linebackerClay Matthews, who received 15 votes.[112][113][114] He also won theNFL Alumni Player of the Year award. He won the award over Defensive Back of the Year byAqib Talib of theTampa Bay Buccaneers.[115]
On September 10, 2011, the Steelers signed Polamalu to a four-year, $36.4 million contract extension that included $10.55 million guaranteed.[116]
On October 2, 2011, Polamalu recorded a season-high nine combined tackles during a 17–10 loss to theHouston Texans.[117] During a Week 14 matchup against theCleveland Browns, he collected eight combined tackles, defended two passes, and made his only interception of the2011 season in a 14–3 win.[118] He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns.[119] He finished the season with 91 combined tackles (64 solo), 14 pass deflections, and one interception in 16 games and 16 starts.[120] TheSteelers received a playoff berth after finishing second in their division with a 12–4 record.[121] On January 8, 2012, the Steelers faced theDenver Broncos in the AFCWild Card Round and Polamalu made four combined tackles in their 29–23 overtime loss. The Steelers lost on the first play of overtime afterTim Tebow threw an 80-yard touchdown pass toDemaryius Thomas.[122]
He was named as a First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.[123][124] He was ranked #19th by his peers on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2012.[125]
Polamalu suffered a strain calf in a practice prior to theSteelers' season-opener against theDenver Broncos. He started the game and made five solo tackles in their 31–19 loss.[126] He further aggravated the injury during the game and left after further straining his calf muscle.[127][128] On October 7, 2012, Polamalu returned and recorded two solo tackles in a 16–14 victory over thePhiladelphia Eagles.[129] He limped off the field in the second quarter and was unable to return.[130] Polamalu missed the next six games (Weeks 6–12), but remained on the active roster. There were conflicting reports about whether it was a calf strain or a calf tear, but multiple media members cited it as a severe strain.[131] On December 23, 2012, Polamalu made a season-high eight combined tackles, defended a pass, and had his only sack of the season onCincinnati Bengals' quarterbackAndy Dalton, as the Steelers lost 13–10.[132] The following week, he recorded three combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made the only interception of the season in a 24–10 win against theCleveland Browns.[133] Polamalu finished the2012 season with a total of 34 combined tackles (29 solo), three pass deflections, one sack, and one interception in seven games and seven starts.[134] He was ranked 91st by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2013.[135]
One of the Steelers' top needs entering the draft was safety as Polamalu was entering the end of his career and had an injury-riddled season in 2012. The Steelers selectedShamarko Thomas in the fourth round of the2013 NFL draft to possibly be Polamalu's successor.[136]
Polamalu started theSteelers' season-opener against theTennessee Titans and recorded six combined tackles and a sack in their 16–9 loss.[137][138] The next week, Polamalu collected a season-high nine combined tackles and defended a pass in a 20–10 loss to theCincinnati Bengals.[139] In Week 7, he recorded three solo tackles, defended two passes, a sack, and intercepted a pass attempt byTerrelle Pryor in an 21–18 loss to theOakland Raiders.[140] In Week 12, Polamalu earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against theCleveland Browns.[141][142] In Week 14, Polamalu made one tackle and returned an interception off ofRyan Tannehill for a 19-yard touchdown during the Steelers' 34–28 loss.[143] He finished the season with 69 combined tackles (50 solo), 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.[144] He was named to his final Pro Bowl.[145] He was ranked 61st by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2014.[146]
On March 5, 2014, the Steelers signed Polamalu to a three-year, $20 million contract extension. They also restructured his contract so he would only account for $6.3 million against the salary cap in2014 instead of the original $10.7 million cap number.[147][148]
Polamalu started theSteelers' season-opener against theCleveland Browns and made a season-high 11 combined tackles in their 30–27 victory. He missed Weeks 10–11 after suffering a knee sprain.[149] The Steelers made the playoffs and faced off against theBaltimore Ravens in theWild Card Round.[150] In the 30–17 loss, he had eight combined tackles and one quarterback hit in his final career game.[151]
On April 10, 2015, Polamalu announced his retirement from professional football citing his family as the main reason.[152] It was reported that he was fully planning to play in2015, but the Steelers had forced Polamalu into retirement. In February 2015, Polamalu was approached and told by front office members and ownerDan Rooney that if he did not retire, he would be released. He received an offer from theTennessee Titans to join his former longtime defensive coordinatorDick LeBeau, but ultimately decided on retiring after weighing his options.[153] He finished his 12-year career with 770 tackles, 32 interceptions, and three touchdowns.
In April 2018, Polamalu was named the Head of Player Relations of theAlliance of American Football.[154]
On January 2, 2020, Polamalu was named one of 15 modern-era finalists for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He and formerIndianapolis Colts receiverReggie Wayne were the only two finalists for 2020 to be nominated in their first year of eligibility. On February 1, 2020, Troy Polamalu was officially elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[155]
Legend | |
---|---|
NFL Defensive Player of the Year | |
Won theSuper Bowl | |
Bold | Career high |
Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Lng | TD | ||
2003 | PIT | 16 | 0 | 38 | 30 | 8 | 2.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2004 | PIT | 16 | 16 | 96 | 67 | 29 | 1.0 | 15 | 5 | 58 | 26 | 1 |
2005 | PIT | 16 | 16 | 91 | 73 | 18 | 3.0 | 8 | 2 | 42 | 36 | 0 |
2006 | PIT | 13 | 13 | 77 | 58 | 19 | 1.0 | 10 | 3 | 51 | 49 | 0 |
2007 | PIT | 11 | 11 | 58 | 45 | 13 | 0.0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2008 | PIT | 16 | 16 | 73 | 54 | 19 | 0.0 | 17 | 7 | 59 | 23 | 0 |
2009 | PIT | 5 | 5 | 20 | 18 | 2 | 0.0 | 7 | 3 | 17 | 23 | 0 |
2010 | PIT | 14 | 14 | 63 | 49 | 14 | 1.0 | 11 | 7 | 101 | 45 | 1 |
2011 | PIT | 16 | 16 | 91 | 64 | 27 | 1.0 | 14 | 2 | 33 | 33 | 0 |
2012 | PIT | 7 | 7 | 34 | 29 | 5 | 1.0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
2013 | PIT | 16 | 16 | 69 | 50 | 19 | 2.0 | 11 | 2 | 36 | 19 | 1 |
2014 | PIT | 12 | 12 | 61 | 40 | 21 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total | 158 | 142 | 770 | 576 | 194 | 12.0 | 100 | 32 | 398 | 49 | 3 |
Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | ||
2004 | PIT | 2 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 14.0 | 0 |
2005 | PIT | 4 | 4 | 24 | 15 | 9 | 0.5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
2007 | PIT | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
2008 | PIT | 3 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0.0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 40 | 40.0 | 1 |
2010 | PIT | 3 | 3 | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
2011 | PIT | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
2014 | PIT | 1 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
Total | 15 | 15 | 64 | 40 | 24 | 0.5 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 54 | 27.0 | 1 |
Polamalu's surname at birth was Aumua. He petitioned in 2007 to change his legal surname to his mother's maiden name of Polamalu. He had already been using Polamalu for the previous 15 years.[1]
Polamalu's favorite pastimes include surfing, growing flowers, making furniture, and playing the piano.[156][157]
In 2009, Polamalu said that he tried to separate himself from his profession as much as possible and did not watch football games at home.[158] As of 2009, he resided with his family in Pittsburgh during the football season and inSan Diego,California during the off-season.[159]
During the2011 NFL lockout, Polamalu utilized his time away from the field to return to theUniversity of Southern California to complete his college education. On May 13, 2011, he graduated from USC with abachelor's degree inhistory.[160] On his personal website he explained, "I decided to finish what I started and walked that stage today not only because it was very important to me personally, but because I want to emphasize the importance of education, and that nothing should supersede it."[161] TeammateBen Roethlisberger followed in Polamalu's footsteps the following off-season and finished his degree as well.[162]
Polamalu's uncle,Kennedy Polamalu, was a formerLas Vegas Raiders running backs coach. He was theJacksonville Jaguars running backs coach for five years, and also served asoffensive coordinator forUCLA. Another uncle, Aoatoa Polamalu, playednose tackle atPenn State from 1984 to 1988.[163]
Despite Polamalu's hard-hitting style on the gridiron, he became known off the field as a soft-spoken family man.[164] Polamalu is married to Theodora Holmes and has two sons: Paisios, born in 2008, and Ephraim, born in 2010.[165][166][167] Theodora is the sister of NFL player and USC Trojans alumnusAlex Holmes andKhaled Holmes.[156] Polamalu and Theodora founded the Harry Panos Fund to honor Theodora's grandfather, who served in World War II.[168]
Polamalu is well-read in the history and theology ofearly Christianity, which ultimately led both him and his wife to convert toOrthodox Christianity in 2007. He made theSign of the Cross after every play. Among his spiritual activities was a 2007 pilgrimage to Orthodox Christian sites in Greece and Turkey.[169] He seldom gives interviews, but when he does, he often speaks of the role his spirituality plays in his life. During his NFL career, he prayed after each play and prayed on the sidelines.[158] His sons are both named after Orthodox Christiansaints:Saint Paisios the Great of Egypt andSaint Ephraim the Syrian.[159]
Polamalu's hair is one of his most distinguishing characteristics. In theCBS Playoffs Pre-game Show, Polamalu said the last time he had gotten a haircut was in 2000 at USC.[164]
In an October 15, 2006, game against theKansas City Chiefs, Chiefs' running backLarry Johnson pulled Polamalu down by the hair in order to tackle him. Afterward, Polamalu took out an insurance policy on his hair.[170]
Polamalu had a contract withHead & Shoulders shampoo and has starred in five commercials for the product. On April 1, 2013, it was reported that he had decided not to sign a new contract to endorse Head & Shoulders and instead signed a five-year contract withSuave to endorse their "Action Series".[171]
Polamalu is an investor in Arenda Capital, which is called a multi-family office that pulls together the funds of four families and manages their spending and investments. Any large purchases or investments must be approved by all members of the office. Arenda Capital makes investments into real estate properties and shares the earnings among all of the partners within the office. Polamalu joined Arenda Capital in 2010.[172]
In 2005, Pittsburgh-area band Mr. Devious wrote and recorded the novelty song "Puhlahmahlu", a parody of the song "Mah Nà Mah Nà". Guitarist Glenn Shirey said that the song was inspired byFox Sports announcerDick Stockton's mispronunciation of Polamalu's name.[173]
Polamalu is featured on the cover of the Scholastic children's bookNational Football League Megastars which profiles Polamalu and 14 other NFL stars.[citation needed]
During Super Bowl XLIII, acommercial of Polamalu aired that had him do a remake of the famous"Mean Joe" GreeneCoca-Cola commercial, except it was advertising forCoca-Cola Zero instead.[174] Two Coke "brand managers" take the Coke Zero bottle away right when the kid is to give it to Polamalu, with Polamalu subsequently tackling one of the managers. Then, instead of giving the kid his own jersey, he rips the shirt off the brand manager he has tackled and tosses it to the kid. Greene, who like Polamalu lives a very quiet life off the field in contrast to his on-field play, liked the commercial and gave his stamp of approval.[175]
He was on the cover ofMadden NFL 10 withLarry Fitzgerald and is supposedly a sufferer of the "Madden Curse".[87][176]
Polamalu voiced Villager #1 in the 2016 filmMoana.[177]
Since 2019, he andPatrick Mahomes have appeared in commercials forHead & Shoulders.[178]