Pittsburgh Steelers Legend Troy Polamalu Retires
Troy Polamalu re-signed a three-year contract on March 5, 2014 to remain with the Steelers through the 2016 season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ legend has decided to hang up the pads. The news of the 33 year old’s retirement was first reported by The Herald-Standard and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
BREAKING: Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu announces he plans to retire after 12 seasons. http://t.co/MDlPL6Ds2b #HSUTN
— Herald-Standard (@hsuniontown) April 10, 2015
From a franchise filled with great football players, Troy Polamalu goes down as one of the greatest of all.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 10, 2015
“I did not seriously consider playing elsewhere,” Polamalu told Jim Wexell of the Herald-Standard. “It was just whether or not I wanted to play.” The future Hall of Famer continued to explain his reasoning for retiring by referencing how much his family life has affected his decision to hang it up: “It’s all about family… I live here in Pittsburgh now, and since the end of the season I’ve had a chance to enjoy my family on a level I never had before. It was awesome.”
Best known for his consistently hard play and highlight-reel hits, Polamalu was drafted with the 16th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California. The “Tasmanian Devil” finishes his career with eight Pro Bowl selections, five All-Pros, and most importantly… two Super Bowl championship rings on his fingers. Polamalu helped the black and gold to Super Bowl titles during the 2005/06 season (XL) and the 2008/09 season (XLIII).
In 143 career games, all in the Steelers’ yellow and black, Polamalu recorded 770 tackles, 12 sacks, 32 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, and three touchdowns.
While the Steelers will miss Polamalu’s hard-hitting plays and flowing locks, the team was showing signs of wanting to move on. The team brought in Mike Mitchell last offseason, but injuries slowed down his productivity. The team is expected to spend several of its 2015 draft picks on secondary players to bolster its 30th ranked passing defense.
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