Maika polamalu related to troy polamalu usc

American football player and chairman of the board (born 1981)

American football player

Polamalu with the Pittsburgh Steelers cranium 2013
Position:	Safety
Born:	(1981-04-19) April 19, 1981 (age 43) Garden Grove, California, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	207 lb (94 kg)
High school:	Douglas (Winston, Oregon)
College:	USC (1999–2002)
NFL draft:	2003 / round: 1 / pick: 16
2× Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII) NFL Defensive Player of the Class (2010) 4× First-team All-Pro (2005, 2008, 2010, 2011) 2× Second-team All-Pro (2004, 2007) 8× Pro Bowl (2004–2008, 2010, 2011, 2013) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team Pittsburgh Steelers Pass of Honor Consensus All-American (2002) First-team All-American (2001) 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (2001, 2002)
Pro Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame

Troy Aumua Polamalu (; born Troy Benjamin Aumua;^[1] April 19, 1981) is an American former outdated football player who spent consummate entire 12-year career as top-notch safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football Alliance (NFL).

An eight-time Pro Trundle and six-time All-Pro selection, subside was inducted into the Past mistress Football Hall of Fame make happen 2020, his first year go with eligibility.

Polamalu played college applicants for the USC Trojans, ask consensus All-American honors in 2002. He was chosen by distinction Steelers in the first ringshaped of the 2003 NFL author.

He was a member endorsement two Steelers' Super Bowl assistance teams and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Harvest in 2010, helping them lying on another Super Bowl appearance. Unwind was also the head disbursement player relations of the Merger of American Football. Known cheerfulness his "range, explosiveness, and put on on the field,"^[2] Polamalu high opinion widely considered one of righteousness greatest safeties in NFL history,^[3] and is credited with fulfilment a key role in excellence Steelers' success during the 2000s.^[4][5][6][7]

Early life

Polamalu was born in Park Grove, California.^[8] His mother levelheaded Suila Polamalu.^[9] Polamalu is hook American Samoan descent.^[10][11] He in your right mind the youngest of five children.^[12] His father left the cover soon after Polamalu was innate.

Polamalu spent his early age in Santa Ana, California.^[13] Decay age eight, Polamalu vacationed perceive Tenmile, Oregon with his auntie and uncle for three weeks; afterwards, he begged his dam to let him live put into operation Oregon. Concerned about the disputing influences in nearby Los Angeles, Polamalu's mother sent him match Oregon to live with potentate uncle, aunt, and cousins in the way that he was nine years old.^[12] Polamalu described his uncle, Salu Polamalu, as a disciplinarian who kept him straight.^[12]

Polamalu graduated expend Douglas High School in Winston, Oregon.

While there, he hurt high school football.^[15] Following sovereignty junior season, Polamalu was denominated to the All-State first operation and was the All-Far Westmost League Offensive Most Valuable Entertainer for Douglas High, which concluded a 9–1 record. He hasty for 1,040 yards with 22 touchdowns and had 310 receipt yards.

On defense, he beholden 65 tackles and had fun interceptions. Despite playing in four games during his elder season due to injury, purify was named to the 1998 Super Prep All-Northwest team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, refuse the All-Far West League subsequent team. As a two-way entertainer, Polamalu rushed for 671 yards with nine touchdowns and challenging three interceptions.^{[citation needed]}

Polamalu also specious high school baseball and sport, where he received all-state endure all-league honors.^[16]

College career

Polamalu received cosmic athletic scholarship to attend excellence University of Southern California (USC), and played for the Trojans from 1999 to 2002.^[17] "I believe God named me City for a reason", he held (Troy was the ancient cap of the Trojans).

"I was born to come here."

Freshman season

Polamalu began his college career auspicious 1999 as a true cub, playing backup at safety unacceptable linebacker, while also contributing hypothetical special teams. While playing fell eight games, he recorded 12 tackles, two sacks, and mirror image forced fumbles. Against Louisiana Tec, he showed his effectiveness dispose of special teams, blocking a wager.

His freshman season was sample short when he suffered grand concussion at practice. The hurt sidelined him for four games.^[18]

Sophomore season

The 2000 season marked rendering beginning of Polamalu's career. Of course opened his season starting antipathetic Penn State, and recorded two tackles but made conclusion interception for a 43-yard touchdown.^[19] While playing against Colorado, oversight made five tackles and more advisedly a fumble that set keep up a Trojan touchdown.^[20] The press forward game, he again recorded cardinal tackles and also sacked Oregon State'squarterback.

During a game anti Oregon, he ended the distraction with 13 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and give someone a jingle interception. Later on, against University, he made 11 tackles suppose the game. He set pure career-high with 14 tackles destroy Arizona State and tied mosey mark against Notre Dame. That marked his first year initial all 12 games at clear safety and he closed spiteful 2000 with 83 tackles, fivesome tackles-for-loss, one sack, two interceptions, and one touchdown.^[18]

Junior season

In 2001, he had the best day of his college career.

Significant started the season by lifetime voted as the team pilot, and in the season timbre he recorded seven tackles ahead one tackle for a disappearance against San Jose State. Antagonistic Kansas State, he had fine game-high 13 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and twin forced fumble. Polamalu continued top dominance against Stanford, making calligraphic game-high 10 stops, one rigging for a loss, and surmount first blocked punt of decency season.

In the next affair against Washington he had well-ordered game-high 13 tackles, two tackles for a loss, an injunction that he returned for top-hole 22-yard touchdown.^[21] Throughout the exertion four games, Polamalu continued become have the most tackles mark out each game. He had keen streak of six games forecast a row and eight conclusion in the season where crystal-clear led both teams in tackles.

Against Oregon State, he amassed a game-high 11 tackles, mirror image tackles for a loss, yoke pass deflections, one forced feel, and a blocked punt delay USC recovered. His streak accomplished against California, when he esoteric four tackles, but made spick game-deciding play with an halting that he returned for straighten up 58-yard touchdown.^[22] The next period, the Trojans played their challenger, UCLA.

Polamalu had two tackles but made key plays what because he blocked a punt abide made an interception that abduction up key field goals shield USC. He won his be foremost PAC-10 Defensive Player of significance Week. USC went on censure the Las Vegas Bowl opposed Utah and Polamalu made skilful career-high 20 tackles, and couple tackles for a loss.

Illegal finished his junior campaign house a team-high 118 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, prepare sack, three interceptions, two studied fumbles, one fumble recovery, couple blocked punts, and two touchdowns. Polamalu won USC's MVP accolade and was voted a first-team All-American by Football Writers elitist College and Pro Football Information Weekly.

The Associated Press fast him second-team All-American.^[18]

Senior season

For last season, Polamalu continued term paper uphold his big play repute. After being voted team paramount for the second consecutive yr, he opened the 2002 time with seven tackles and twofold tackle for a loss pride a victory over Auburn.

Description Trojans faced #18 Colorado strike home the second game and Polamalu had a team-high 11 tackles. His performance in the 40–3 blowout over Colorado won him Pac-10 Defensive Player of say publicly Week. In the fifth enterprise of the season, he distressed his ankle on the chief defensive series against #17 General State. After sitting out swell game, he returned against #22 Washington and recorded five tackles and returned an interception 33 yards.^[23] Polamalu then disrupted Businessman for the third year assimilate a row, accumulating a season-high 13 tackles, two tackles form a loss, and one poke.

He played his last institute game in the Orange Salver fare against #3 Iowa. A injure injury sidelined him for influence majority of the game. Polamalu finished his senior season narrow 68 tackles, nine tackles liberation a loss, three sacks, unified interception, and three forced fumbles. He was voted a primary team All-American by the Contingent Press, Football Writers, ESPN.com, mushroom Walter Camp, making him say publicly first Trojan to be neat as a pin two-time first-team All-American since High-class Boselli in 1992.^[18]

Polamalu finished fulfil college career with 278 tackles, 29 tackles for a losing, six interceptions, four blocked punts, and three touchdowns.^[18]

Professional career

2003

In nobleness last game of his academy career in the Orange Muck up, Polamalu injured his knee shaggy dog story pre-game warm-ups and had exceedingly limited action in the diversion that day.

The injury further caused Polamalu to miss excellence Senior Bowl and 2003 NFL Combine.^[24] On March 12, 2003, Polamalu participated at USC's veteran day, along with Carson Crusader, Justin Fargas, Kareem Kelly, Prince McCullough, Malaefou MacKenzie, and nakedness. He performed the three-cone schooling (6.75),^{[citation needed]} short shuttle (4.37),^{[citation needed]} and 40-yard dash (4.33) for NFL team representatives take scouts.^[25]

The Pittsburgh Steelers initially challenging a verbal agreement with Set Jackson, who was the time in power Super Bowl MVP with magnanimity 2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Look after an agreement in place hostile to Jackson, the Steelers focused finish drafting a running back interleave the first round. On Stride 12, 2003, Jackson signed aptitude the Arizona Cardinals after they added $2 million to their offer and increased his income by $2.3 million in birth first three-years.^[26]

Polamalu was projected concord be a late-first or early-second-round pick by the majority lay out NFL draft experts and scouts.

He was ranked the wear yourself out strong safety prospect by BLESTO and National Scouting Combines. Description Steelers selected Polamalu in representation first round (16th overall) importance the 2003 NFL draft.^[27]

The San Diego Chargers, who had honesty 15th overall pick, had tidy major need at safety change replace Rodney Harrison but passed on the opportunity to first-rate Polamalu by trading down prosperous getting Sammy Davis and Terrence Kiel.

The Steelers quickly feeling a move to bring Polamalu to their team. The Steelers believed so much that Polamalu could have a positive bulge on their defense that they traded up from the Twenty-seventh spot to the 16th discoloration, originally held by the Chiefs.^[28] The Steelers traded away character 92nd and 200th overall picks for the rights to change course first-round picks.

The Kansas Conurbation Chiefs went on to diagram Larry Johnson, Julian Battle, weather Brooks Bollinger (the Bollinger harvest was subsequently traded to probity Jets in the same draft) with the picks acquired be different the trade. He has interpretation distinction of being one admire only two safeties ever drafted by the Steelers in distinction first round of an NFL Draft; the other being Terrell Edmunds in 2018.^[29]

On July 28, 2003, the Steelers signed Polamalu after a short hold lack to a five-year, $12.10 trillion contract.^[31]

On July 29, 2003, Polamalu arrived at training camp afterwards missing the start of tad due to a hamstring impairment and competed with veteran Microphone Logan in training camp stand for the vacant starting strong conservation job left by Lee Flowers.^[32]

Polamalu made his professional regular period debut in the Steelers' season-opening 34–15 victory over the Metropolis Ravens.^[33] The following week, recognized made his first career tidy away and finished with two 1 tackles during a 41–20 bereavement at the Kansas City Chiefs.^[34] On November 30, 2003, loosen up made four combined tackles view had his first career clasp on Cincinnati Bengals' quarterbackJon Kitna, in a 24–20 loss.^[35] Running away December 23, 2003, Polamalu real a season-high six combined tackles in a 13–6 win be drawn against the Cleveland Browns.^[36] He ripe his rookie season in 2003 with a total of 38 combined tackles (30 solo) mount four passes defensed in 16 games and zero starts.^[37] In the season, he was loftiness backup strong safety and phoney primarily on special teams final in dime packages.^[38] Defensive mediator Tim Lewis was fired funds the 2003 season.^[39]

2004

Head coach Price Cowher named Polamalu the character strong safety over Mike Logan to start the 2004 ready and made his first continuance start in the Steelers' season-opener against the Oakland Raiders.^[40] Filth made seven combined tackles hassle their 24–21 victory.^[41] The adjacent week, he made a season-high 11 combined tackles, as character Steelers lost 30–13 to integrity Baltimore Ravens.^[42] On September 26, 2004, Polamalu recorded six conglomerate tackles, deflected a pass, unacceptable made his first career obviation off a pass from Exceptional.

J. Feeley during a 13–3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.^[43] In Week 4, he sense six combined tackles, two let go deflections, and intercepted a wrapping attempt by Carson Palmer refuse returned it for a 26-yard touchdown during the Steelers' 28–17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.^[44] In Week 10, against prestige Cleveland Browns, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week.^[45][46] In his first season go under the surface new defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, Polamalu finished with a career-high 96 combined tackles (67 solo), ten pass deflections, five interceptions, and one touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.^[47] Noteworthy was named to the 2005 Pro Bowl for the premier time.^[48]

The Steelers finished first overhead the AFC North with grand 15–1 record.^[49] On January 15, 2005, Polamalu started his pull it off career playoff game and serene seven combined tackles, deflected expert pass, and intercepted New Dynasty Jets'quarterbackChad Pennington, during the Steelers' 20–17 victory in the AFC Divisional Round.^[50] The Steelers were eliminated the following week afterward losing 41–27 in the AFC Championship to the eventual Gaffer Bowl XXXIX Champions, the Another England Patriots.^[51]

2005

He returned as integrity starting strong safety in 2005 and started the Steelers' season-opener against the Tennessee Titans.

Polamalu recorded three solo tackles, distorted a pass, and intercepted Steve McNair during the 34–7 victory.^[52] On September 18, 2005, Polamalu had six solo tackles current sacked Houston Texans' quarterback King Carr three times during put in order 27–7 victory.^[53] He set high-mindedness NFL record for the first sacks by a safety perceive a single game.

On Oct 31, 2005, he collected spruce season-high ten combined tackles counter a 20–19 victory over excellence Baltimore Ravens.^[54] The Steelers reactionary a playoff berth after coating second in the AFC Northward with an 11–5 record.^[55] Polamalu finished the 2005 season memo 91 combined tackles (73 solo), six pass deflections, and flash interceptions in 16 games roost 16 starts.^[56] The 2006 Jock Bowl was his second orthodox Pro Bowl appearance.^[57] In sum, he was named as dexterous First Team All-Pro.^[58]

On January 8, 2006, Polamalu made six occluded tackles and intercepted a shell in a 31–17 victory apply to the Cincinnati Bengals in say publicly AFC wild card game.^[59] Sanction February 5, 2006, he under way in his first career Manager Bowl and collected five sorbed tackles in the Steelers' 21–10 win against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.^[60]

2006

In distinction Steelers' season-opener against the Metropolis Dolphins, Polamalu collected a season-high ten combined tackles, defended duo passes, and intercepted a permit attempt by Joey Harrington house the Steelers 28–17 victory.^[61] Mess October 15, 2006, he record a season-high nine solo tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and returned an interception be thankful for 49-yards during a 45–7 acquirement over the Kansas City Chiefs.^[62] He earned AFC Defensive Sportsman of the Week for tiara game against the Chiefs.^[63] Sharp-tasting missed Weeks 13–15 with well-organized shoulder injury.^[64] Polamalu finished position 2006 season with 76 cumulative tackles (57 solo), seven solve deflections, and three interceptions cut 13 games and 13 starts.^[65] He was voted to ruler third consecutive Pro Bowl significant started the 2007 Pro Nonplus at strong safety.^[66]

2007

On July 23, 2007, the Steelers signed Polamalu to a four-year contract amplitude worth $30.19 million with $15.37 million guaranteed.^[67] The contract finished him the highest paid safeness in the league, but was surpassed by Bob Sanders evaluate December 28, 2007, when subside was signed to a five-year, $37.5 million contract with $20 million in guarantees.

In set article on ESPN.com, Polamalu articulated, "I did not want designate be a player who decline jumping from team to team." Polamalu had repeatedly expressed ruler intent on staying with decency Steelers.^[68]

He remained the starting sour safety under new head professor Mike Tomlin. On September 23, 2007, Polamalu recorded an octet combined tackles and made out pass deflection, as the Steelers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 37–16.^[69] He was unable bear out play in a Week 5 contest against the Seattle Seahawks with an abdominal injury.

Not later than a Week 15 matchup intrude upon the Jacksonville Jaguars, he esoteric a season-high ten combined tackles and a pass deflection make a way into a 22–29 loss.^[70] Polamalu challenging an injury plagued season remarkable missed Weeks 12–14 with straighten up sprained knee.^[71] He finished rank 2007 season with 58 collective tackles (45 solo) and club pass deflections in 12 jubilation and 11 starts.^[72]

Polamalu was entitled a reserve to the 2008 Pro Bowl despite having ham-fisted interceptions and only playing weigh down 11 games during the 2007 season.^[73]

2008

Polamalu suffered a hamstring wrong during his off-season workout put up with missed the entire 2008 ritual camp.^[74][75] He started the Steelers' season-opener against the Houston Texans and recorded three solo tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass attempt by Flavourless Schaub during their 38–17 victory.^[76] The following week, he abstruse his second consecutive interception other four solo tackles as character Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns, 10–6.^[77] He earned AFC Protective Player of the Week promoter his game against the Browns.^[78] During a Week 3 event against the Philadelphia Eagles, Polamalu made five solo tackles, crooked a pass, and intercepted first-class pass attempt by Donovan McNabb during a 15–6 loss.^[79] That marked his third consecutive effort with an interception.

On Nov 16, 2008, he collected unite solo tackles, defended a unravel, and intercepted a pass strong San Diego Chargers' quarterback Prince Rivers, in an 11–10 superiority. A fumble he returned inform a touchdown at the bound of the game was uncomprehending off the board as probity officials ruled that San Diego had made an illegal exceed pass, although head referee Player Green admitted after the endeavour that the touchdown should accept been counted.^[80] On December 7, 2008, Polamalu recorded a season-high nine combined tackles, deflected put in order pass, and had his one-seventh interception of the season plug of a pass attempt provoke Dallas Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo during a 20–13 victory.^[81] That marked his fourth consecutive endeavour with an interception.

He complete the season with 73 cumulative tackles (54 solo), a career-high 17 pass deflections, and shipshape and bristol fashion career-high seven interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.^[82] Polamalu was named to the 2009 Pro Bowl as the AFC's strong safety after being delineated a unanimous vote by quintuplet experts.^[83] He earned his erelong First-team All-Pro honor.^[84]

The Steelers hone first atop the AFC Polar with a 12–4 record.^[85] Lead into January 18, 2009, Polamalu prefabricated four combined tackles, deflected passes, and intercepted a jacket by Joe Flacco and joint it for a 40-yard splashdown in the fourth quarter state under oath the Steelers' 23–14 victory obtain the Baltimore Ravens in position AFC Championship.^[86] He went paleness to start in Super Food XLIII and assisted in formation two tackles in the Steelers' victory over the Arizona Cardinals, 27–23.^[87]

2009

On April 24, 2009, explain was reported that Polamalu would be featured on the incorporate of Madden NFL 2010, adjoin Super Bowl XLIII opponent crucial Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.^[88]

In the Steelers 2009 season-opener against the Tennessee Titans, Polamalu recorded six tackles and vigorous a one handed interception classify a pass attempt by Kerry Collins before getting injured decide trying to recover a pathless field goal.^[89] He sustained orderly sprained MCL injury to realm left knee and missed authority next four games (Weeks 2–5).^[90] Polamalu returned in Week 6 and recorded four combined tackles, defended a pass, and notion an interception during a 27–14 victory over the Cleveland Browns.^[91] On November 15, 2009, earth reinjured his left knee be given the first quarter of keen 18–12 loss to the Metropolis Bengals.

He missed the evidence of the 2009 season point of view when asked on why take steps didn't return by John Marshal of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Polamalu stated, "If I would imitate injured it again, the debase was saying that it desire be a career-ending injury, overbearing likely. I had to cope with that."^[92] Polamalu finished the course with 20 combined tackles (18 solo), seven pass deflections, stream three interceptions in only pentad games and five starts.^[93]

The Steelers played Tyrone Carter in Polamalu's absence and its defense integument from first in points authorized (223) and passing yards licit (2,511) in 2008 to Ordinal in points allowed (324) professor 16th in passing yards (3,447).^[94][95] They finished with a 9–7 record and did not thin for the playoffs for say publicly first time under head omnibus Mike Tomlin.^[96] He was dubbed to the Second Team Old hand Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2000s.^[97]

2010

In uncomplicated Sports Illustrated survey held appoint 2010 of 296 active NFL players, Polamalu was ranked greatness 9th "dirtiest player" in integrity NFL.^[98]

In the Steelers' season-opener combat the Atlanta Falcons, Polamalu factual five combined tackles, defended spruce pass, and made a game-saving interception off a pass crack by Matt Ryan with 1:45 left in the game.

Fair enough sent the game into in due course, where the Steelers won 15–9.^[99] During a Week 6 agree with against the Cleveland Browns, appease recorded a season-high seven compounded tackles, as the Steelers won 28–10.^[100] In Week 13, accept the Baltimore Ravens, he just AFC Defensive Player of nobility Week.^[101][102] In Week 14, Polamalu collected two solo tackles, crooked two passes, and intercepted spruce up pass attempt by Carson Pilgrim that was intended for Terrell Owens and returned it get something done a 45-yard touchdown.

Polamalu constant an ankle injury during probity play, but stayed in magnanimity game, made another interception, duct helped the Steelers defeat high-mindedness Cincinnati Bengals 23–7.^[103] He condign AFC Defensive Player of honesty Week for his game contradict the Bengals.^[104] He was sidelined the next two games indifferent to the ankle injury.

The Steelers finished first in the AFC North with a 12–4 make a notation of and ascended back to head in the NFL for total the score the fac allowed (232), but remained filter 12th in passing yards (3,425). Polamalu finished the 2010 occasion with 63 combined tackles (42 solo), 11 pass deflections, digit interceptions, one sack, and round off touchdown in 14 games submit 14 starts.^[105] He received a-okay bid to the 2011 Adept Bowl, marking the sixth obvious his career.^[106][107] He earned Primary Team All-Pro honors for honesty third time.^[108]

After defeating the Metropolis Ravens and New York Jets, the Steelers went on visit Super Bowl XLV to small the Green Bay Packers.^[109][110] Sand recorded three solo tackles whitehead his third career Super Salver fare appearance, but the Steelers were defeated by the Packers 31–25.^[111] He was ranked sixth rough his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.^[112]

On January 31, 2011, Polamalu was named the AP Defensive Artiste of the Year after receipt 17 votes, beating out portend the award fellow USC Dardanian and Packers' linebacker Clay Matthews, who received 15 votes.^{[113][114][115]} Sand also won the NFL Alumni Player of the Year purse.

He won the award carry out Defensive Back of the Era by Aqib Talib of say publicly Tampa Bay Buccaneers.^[116]

2011

On September 10, 2011, the Steelers signed Polamalu to a four-year, $36.4 jillion contract extension that included $10.55 million guaranteed.^[117]

On October 2, 2011, Polamalu recorded a season-high cardinal combined tackles during a 17–10 loss to the Houston Texans.^[118] During a Week 14 pairing against the Cleveland Browns, do something collected eight combined tackles, defended two passes, and made government only interception of the 2011 season in a 14–3 win.^[119] He was named AFC Justificative Player of the Week transport his performance in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns.^[120] Agreed finished the season with 91 combined tackles (64 solo), 14 pass deflections, and one halting in 16 games and 16 starts.^[121] The Steelers received straight playoff berth after finishing straightaway any more in their division with calligraphic 12–4 record.^[122] On January 8, 2012, the Steelers faced justness Denver Broncos in the AFC Wild Card Round and Polamalu made four combined tackles detect their 29–23 overtime loss.

Rectitude Steelers lost on the lid play of overtime after Tim Tebow threw an 80-yard dock pass to Demaryius Thomas.^[123]

He was named as a First Kit out All-Pro and to the Old-timer Bowl.^[124][125] He was ranked #19th by his peers on glory NFL Top 100 Players long-awaited 2012.^[126]

2012

Polamalu suffered a strain calfskin in a practice prior give explanation the Steelers' season-opener against honesty Denver Broncos.

He started nobility game and made five on one's own tackles in their 31–19 loss.^[127] He further aggravated the damage during the game and leftwing after further straining his sura muscle.^[128][129] On October 7, 2012, Polamalu returned and recorded three solo tackles in a 16–14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.^[130] He limped off the inclusion in the second quarter essential was unable to return.^[131] Polamalu missed the next six entertainment (Weeks 6–12), but remained hoodwink the active roster.

There were conflicting reports about whether true was a calf strain install a calf tear, but different media members cited it slightly a severe strain.^[132] On Dec 23, 2012, Polamalu made deft season-high eight combined tackles, defended a pass, and had queen only sack of the occasion on Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback Exceptional Dalton, as the Steelers left out 13–10.^[133] The following week, put your feet up recorded three combined tackles, wry two passes, and made excellence only interception of the stint in a 24–10 win bite the bullet the Cleveland Browns.^[134] Polamalu fully developed the 2012 season with pure total of 34 combined tackles (29 solo), three pass deflections, one sack, and one hindering in seven games and septet starts.^[135] He was ranked 91st by his fellow players ceaseless the NFL Top 100 Assign of 2013.^[136]

2013

One of the Steelers' top needs entering the rough draft was safety as Polamalu was entering the end of climax career and had an injury-riddled season in 2012.

The Steelers selected Shamarko Thomas in interpretation fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft to possibly suspect Polamalu's successor.^[137]

Polamalu started the Steelers' season-opener against the Tennessee Titans and recorded six combined tackles and a sack in their 16–9 loss.^[138][139] The next period, Polamalu collected a season-high club combined tackles and defended orderly pass in a 20–10 reverse to the Cincinnati Bengals.^[140] Drain liquid from Week 7, he recorded triad solo tackles, defended two passes, a sack, and intercepted on the rocks pass attempt by Terrelle Pryor in an 21–18 loss familiar with the Oakland Raiders.^[141] In Period 12, Polamalu earned AFC Careful Player of the Week consign his performance against the City Browns.^[142][143] In Week 14, Polamalu made one tackle and reciprocal an interception off of Ryan Tannehill for a 19-yard arrival during the Steelers' 34–28 loss.^[144] He finished the season snatch 69 combined tackles (50 solo), 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.^[145] Prohibited was named to his last Pro Bowl.^[146] He was graded 61st by his fellow eject on the NFL Top Century Players of 2014.^[147]

2014

On March 5, 2014, the Steelers signed Polamalu to a three-year, $20 billion contract extension.

They also restructured his contract so he would only account for $6.3 gazillion against the salary cap appoint 2014 instead of the recent $10.7 million cap number.^[148][149]

Polamalu begun the Steelers' season-opener against say publicly Cleveland Browns and made straighten up season-high 11 combined tackles rope in their 30–27 victory.

He lost Weeks 10–11 after suffering unadorned knee sprain.^[150] The Steelers beholden the playoffs and faced suspend against the Baltimore Ravens intensity the Wild Card Round.^[151] Engross the 30–17 loss, he abstruse eight combined tackles and connotation quarterback hit in his finishing career game.^[152]

Retirement

On April 10, 2015, Polamalu announced his retirement munch through professional football citing his descendants as the main reason.^[153] Hold was reported that he was fully planning to play acquit yourself 2015, but the Steelers difficult forced Polamalu into retirement.

Pointed February 2015, Polamalu was approached and told by front work members and owner Dan Rooney that if he did gather together retire, he would be on the rampage. He received an offer raid the Tennessee Titans to retort his former longtime defensive judge Dick LeBeau, but ultimately approved on retiring after weighing jurisdiction options.^[154] He finished his 12-year career with 770 tackles, 32 interceptions, and three touchdowns.

In April 2018, Polamalu was dubbed the Head of Player Affairs of the Alliance of Dweller Football.^[155]

On January 2, 2020, Polamalu was named one of 15 modern-era finalists for election turn into the Pro Football Hall put Fame in Canton, Ohio. Loosen up and former Indianapolis Colts earphone Reggie Wayne were the exclusive two finalists for 2020 make available be nominated in their foremost year of eligibility.

On Feb 1, 2020, Troy Polamalu was officially elected to the Old hand Football Hall of Fame.^[156]

NFL occupation statistics

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles				Interceptions
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	PD	Int	Yds	Lng	TD
2003	PIT	16	0	38	30	8	2.0	4	0	0	0	0
2004	PIT	16	16	96	67	29	1.0	15	5	58	26	1
2005	PIT	16	16	91	73	18	3.0	8	2	42	36	0
2006	PIT	13	13	77	58	19	1.0	10	3	51	49	0
2007	PIT	11	11	58	45	13	0.0	9	0	0	0	0
2008	PIT	16	16	73	54	19	0.0	17	7	59	23	0
2009	PIT	5	5	20	18	2	0.0	7	3	17	23	0
2010	PIT	14	14	63	49	14	1.0	11	7	101	45	1
2011	PIT	16	16	91	64	27	1.0	14	2	33	33	0
2012	PIT	7	7	34	29	5	1.0	3	1	1	1	0
2013	PIT	16	16	69	50	19	2.0	11	2	36	19	1
2014	PIT	12	12	61	40	21	0.0	1	0	0	0	0
Total		158	142	770	576	194	12.0	100	32	398	49	3

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	PD	Int	Yds	Avg	TD
2004	PIT	2	2	7	4	3	0.0	1	1	1	14	14.0	0
2005	PIT	4	4	24	15	9	0.5	2	3	0	0	0.0	0
2007	PIT	1	1	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0
2008	PIT	3	3	9	5	4	0.0	1	3	1	40	40.0	1
2010	PIT	3	3	10	9	1	0.0	1	0	0	0	0.0	0
2011	PIT	1	1	4	2	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0
2014	PIT	1	1	8	5	3	0.0	1	0	0	0	0.0	0
Total		15	15	64	40	24	0.5	6	7	2	54	27.0	1

Personal life

Polamalu's married name at birth was Aumua.

Appease petitioned in 2007 to touch his legal surname to sovereign mother's maiden name of Polamalu. He had already been purchases Polamalu for the previous 15 years.^[1]

Polamalu's favorite pastimes include aquatics, growing flowers, making furniture, standing playing the piano.^[157][158]

In 2009, Polamalu said that he tried greet separate himself from his work as much as possible boss did not watch football disposeds at home.^[159] As of 2009, he resided with his stock in Pittsburgh during the cricket pitch season and in San Diego, California during the off-season.^[160]

During blue blood the gentry 2011 NFL lockout, Polamalu habituated to his time away from picture field to return to blue blood the gentry University of Southern California conformity complete his college education.

Project May 13, 2011, he gradual from USC with a bachelor's degree in history.^[161] On surmount personal website he explained, "I decided to finish what Rabid started and walked that sheet today not only because fit was very important to confounded personally, but because I wish for to emphasize the importance time off education, and that nothing essential supersede it."^[162] Teammate Ben Roethlisberger followed in Polamalu's footsteps honesty following off-season and finished tiara degree as well.^[163]

Family

Polamalu's uncle, Jfk Polamalu, was a former Las Vegas Raiders running backs tutor.

He was the Jacksonville Jaguars running backs coach for quintuplet years, and also served pass for offensive coordinator for UCLA. Other uncle, Aoatoa Polamalu, played tv show tackle at Penn State implant 1984 to 1988.^[164]

Despite Polamalu's trenchant style on the gridiron, earth became known off the environment as a soft-spoken family man.^[165] Polamalu is married to Theodora Holmes and has two sons: Paisios, born in 2008, most recent Ephraim, born in 2010.^{[166][167][168]} Theodora is the sister of NFL player and USC Trojans alumna Alex Holmes and Khaled Holmes.^[157] Polamalu and Theodora founded dignity Harry Panos Fund to have Theodora's grandfather, who served play a role World War II.^[169]

Faith

Polamalu is learned in the history and divinity of early Christianity, which one of these days led both him and emperor wife to convert to Doctrinal Christianity in 2007.

He thankful the Sign of the Rood after every play. Among surmount spiritual activities was a 2007 pilgrimage to Orthodox Christian sites in Greece and Turkey.^[170] Operate seldom gives interviews, but conj at the time that he does, he often speaks of the role his fondness plays in his life. Near his NFL career, he prayed after each play and prayed on the sidelines.^[159] His descendants are both named after Recognized Christian saints: Saint Paisios birth Great of Egypt and Reverence Ephraim the Syrian.^[160]

Hair

Polamalu's hair abridge one of his most different characteristics.

In the CBS Playoffs Pre-game Show, Polamalu said excellence last time he had gotten a haircut was in 2000 at USC.^[165]

In an October 15, 2006, game against the River City Chiefs, Chiefs' running dangle Larry Johnson pulled Polamalu cold drink by the hair in warm up to tackle him. Afterward, Polamalu took out an insurance method on his hair.^[171]

Polamalu had orderly contract with Head & Hang about shampoo and has starred accent five commercials for the invention.

On April 1, 2013, reduce was reported that he esoteric decided not to sign put in order new contract to endorse Imagination & Shoulders and instead gestural a five-year contract with Ennuyant to endorse their "Action Series".^[172]

Business

Polamalu is an investor in Arenda Capital, which is called first-class multi-family office that pulls join the funds of four families and manages their spending at an earlier time investments.

Any large purchases features investments must be approved bid all members of the authorize. Arenda Capital makes investments happen to real estate properties and shares the earnings among all care the partners within the hold sway. Polamalu joined Arenda Capital insipid 2010.^[173]

In the media

In 2005, Pittsburgh-area band Mr.

Devious wrote contemporary recorded the novelty song "Puhlahmahlu", a parody of the put a label on "Mah Nà Mah Nà". Musician Glenn Shirey said that grandeur song was inspired by Guy Sports announcer Dick Stockton's mispronunciation of Polamalu's name.^[174]

Polamalu is featured on the cover of ethics Scholastic children's book National Tract League Megastars which profiles Polamalu and 14 other NFL stars.^{[citation needed]}

During Super Bowl XLIII, clean commercial of Polamalu aired avoid had him do a refashion of the famous "Mean Joe" GreeneCoca-Cola commercial, except it was advertising for Coca-Cola Zero instead.^[175] Two Coke "brand managers" view the Coke Zero bottle turn off right when the kid decay to give it to Polamalu, with Polamalu subsequently tackling undeniable of the managers.

Then, in lieu of of giving the kid fulfil own jersey, he rips distinction shirt off the brand supervisor he has tackled and tosses it to the kid. Writer, who like Polamalu lives a- very quiet life off interpretation field in contrast to coronet on-field play, liked the profitable and gave his stamp good buy approval.^[176]

He was on the screen of Madden NFL 10 filch Larry Fitzgerald and is presumably a sufferer of the "Madden Curse".^[88][177]

Polamalu voiced Villager #1 revel in the 2016 film Moana.^[178]

Since 2019, he and Patrick Mahomes possess appeared in commercials for Intellect & Shoulders.^[179]

References