1. Troy Polamalu
When it comes to Pittsburgh Steelers fan favorites over the past 20 years, however, there can be only one. Troy Polamalu embodied everything it meant to represent this team and the city of Pittsburgh. From humility to determination to athletic prowess to a Hall of Fame resume, Polamalu had every single thing a player could possess to make him a true fan favorite.
Polamalu was extremely quiet off the field, but he instantly became a lion ready to pounce on his prey when the helmet was on. After playing primarily special teams as a rookie, Polamalu already looked like a budding star in year two -- earning 97 tackles, 5 interceptions, and a defensive touchdown while snagging his first of 8 Pro Bowl honors.
A star was born, as Polamalu became the face of one of the all-time great defenses in the NFL. His play-making ability at every level of the defense was unlike anything fans have ever seen. To this day, there isn't a player who can replicate everything Polamalu could do.
When it comes to a popularity contest, Polamalu isn't the one asking for his jerseys to be sold or for fans to like him best, but he deserves it. He is the single biggest fan favorite on the Pittsburgh Steelers of the past 20 years, and it has never been hard to see why.