Polamalu decides that he has played his last season.
After playing all 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, safety Troy Polamalu has decided to hang up the cleats. The perennial Pro Bowler was the heart and soul of the physical style of play that the Steelers defense had become known for over the past decade. Being able to play coverage, stop the run, and effective blitzing, he went on to revolutionize the safety position with his unique style of play. Though he signed a 3 year contract extension with the team a year ago, the announcement was made during a phone interview with Jim Wexell of the Herald-Standard where he stated that he had little interest in playing for any other franchise.
I did not seriously consider playing elsewhere. It was just whether or not I wanted to play….When I started this process and started to debate whether I should come back or should I play, that was kind of the sign for me to say ‘Whoa, if you’re just even debating it maybe you shouldn’t play anymore,’ because what I do know about this game is it takes a lot –a lot – of commitment just to be an average player.
Polamalu’s bust in Canton, OH is already being prepared as he will for sure be a first ballot Hall of Famer. In his 12 seasons, he has appeared in 8 Pro Bowls, named First Team All Pro 4 times, 2010 Defensive Player of the Year, won 2 Super Bowl trophies, all while amassing an exemplary stat sheet. The Steelers will have a very difficult time replacing his contributions to them on and off the field.
Rocko Rathon (@Rocko_CNK)
