10 greatest Steelers draft choices during the Kevin Colbert era

Troy Polamalu, Safety (2003 NFL Draft: 1st round, pick 16)

Troy Polamalu became one of the most iconic images for the Steelers defense during their dominant reign throughout the 2000s and early 2010s. They were a unique group that was able to keep many great talents together. Polamalu was the best player on that historic defense that saw many players hop on the field.

It was something fans looked forward to watching on Sundays and those defenses tormented many of the offenses they went up against. Polamalu was a figure that many started creating fable stories about. Some thought he had some sixth sense that allowed him to create memorable defensive stops.

He was the “Flying Hawaiian” to many as he was able to leap over offensive lines and end the oncoming attack. His constant interceptions and big-time plays when it mattered most are what made him such a great player. He was a physical safety that had the finesse of going up and creating turnovers in the air.

This safety was a player that the Steelers had to trade up and get. It paid off big time as he was able to shape his career into a hall of fame enshrinement in Canton. He is a quiet Christian man that was able to make a memorable career full of great moments that fans will never forget.