Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) carries the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Mike Mitchell (23) and Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) defend in the second quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Safety Troy Polamalu has recognized the Sun setting on his career and rode off in that Sunset. He officially retired from the NFL today after 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Polamalu was one of the main building blocks of the second waive of the Steel Curtain, Super Bowl winning defense.
So along with the departure of defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, this is the end of an era in Steelers football. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Steelers wanted Polamalu to retire earlier in the offseason but the team, in a classy move, carried his cap hit to give him time to make a decision.
The humble warrior seemed to be everywhere on the football field at the same time in his prime. His uncanny instincts along with his 4.3 wheels had him around the ball on pretty much every play. Last year, his instincts remained but injuries robbed him of his speed and explosiveness, showing him it is the time.
I’m not sure where he ranks but he is somewhere among the greatest Steelers to every play the game. As a matter of fact, there aren’t many strong safeties in NFL history that played the game any better he did. In his illustrious career in the NFL, he made eight Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro four times.
For the Steelers now, they have a big salary coming off the books but need somehow to replace such a talent. I expect them to start in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft with Landon Collins from Alabama if he’s there. But no matter who it is, they’re going to have some big, legendary shoes to fill.
Congratulations Troy!