Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu Retires

The time we all knew was going to come but were never totally prepared to deal with it has finally come. Troy Polamalu has announced that at the age of 33 and after 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers that he is retiring from football.

Troy notified Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney personally on Thursday night to let him know that he appreciated his time with the team but was retiring from the game.

"“Last night I received a very important call from Troy Polamalu. He had a lot of nice things to say about the organization, and it was very sincere. He is a good, family man, which meant a lot to him. I think that’s part of what he is going to do [moving forward]. But he’s been a tremendous leader, really a leader by example, not only as a great football player but as a great person. He has influenced many people both on and off the field, which was really an important part. We’ve been fortunate to have great players throughout the years, but he of course would be one of the top players. He did everything with dignity and responsibility, and it was special to have Troy be a Steeler his entire career.” – Chairman Dan Rooney"

Troy Polamalu came into the league in 2003 when the Steelers moved up in the draft to select him out of the University of Southern California.

In his twelve seasons with the Steelers he totaled 12 sacks, 32 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries; and those are just his regular season numbers. In the playoffs, Troy was a beast. His postseason stats include a half sack, three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown and while we’re all picturing it in our heads right now, why not watch it one more time?

Troy will not only go down as one of the greatest defensive players of our generation, he’ll go down as one of the greatest Steelers of all time. I have no doubt he can stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of

Joe Greene

Jack Lambert

Mel Blount

Rod Woodson

, take your pick.

For what he’s done on the field, which has been make amazing play after amazing play for twelve years, Troy has been one of the players the NFL strives to put in the forefront of the league. There’s not a single player, coach, reporter, scout, fan, etc. who would have a negative thing to say about Troy Polamalu.

The Steelers staff reflected on what Polamalu has meant to them.

"“Since we drafted him in 2003, Troy Polamalu has been an outstanding player and person. On behalf of the entire Steelers organization and the Steelers Nation, I am happy to be able to publicly celebrate and thank Troy for his many contributions to the Steelers. His unique style of play will be remembered among the all-time Steelers. His passion for the game of football on the field and his willingness to be a contributor to the community make him a very special person.” – Steelers President Art Rooney II“Troy is a shining example of a football man in the way he loved the game, the way he respected the game and the way he played the game. It’s a shining example of the window into who he is. He is a legendary Steeler and a legendary man. I congratulate him and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.” – Mike Tomlin"

What is your favorite Troy Polamalu memory? What are your thoughts on his retirement?

Next: Steelers Draft: Breaking Down Steven Nelson

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