News/views: Polamalu retires, as ever, with class

#Legend43

Thanks for the memories Troy.

Not a surprise, but still heart breaking. God bless you, Troy. Thank you for some life-long memories.

Very special player. He will be missed. Thanks Troy.

An all-time Steelers' great. So many great memories. I'm happy to see that the team did not have to cut him.
First ballot HOF? I think so, but it will be interesting to see.

plus freaking one....

We will miss you Troy...you have made this city proud. Good luck and God bless on your future.

And now I can wear your jersey without fear again of you getting hurt.

I believe you had this.

The greatest move up in draft day history for the Steelers. Thanks for redefining the position (or just making a new one) and wearing the black and gold with pride.

I only have one Steeler jersey in my closet and its 43! So many things could be said, I'm just gonna say thanks Troy! One of a kind, Hall of Famer, Super Bowl Champion, changed the game, we wish you well and Pittsburgh loves you.

I enjoyed watching him play the game more than any other player ever. There would be entire defensive series where I would just watch him. I can't say that about any other player.

You're absolutely right, Dejan. I haven't given a thought yet as to how this affects the team. Just reflecting on what was truly one of the most entertaining careers I've seen in my lifetime, and a person that always, always was an outstanding representative of the team.

A fabulous player - and an even better human being.

His greatness can't even be measured in traditional NFL stats. He made plays that I've never seen anyone else even attempt.

I remember a game when the opponent ran a screen pass and 43 was the only one to read it properly. Between Troy and the ball carrier were two giant linemen. While the play was unfolding, I mumbled a few cuss words because it looked like a sure first down (at least). However, as Troy reached the linemen he jumped, twisted between the blockers and landed on the ball carrier for like a 2 yard gain. No one else in the league makes that play.

I feel confident saying we'll never see another player like him.

Was a fun 12 years.

mOo

I think he's a slam-dunk first ballot but not sure he will be. Will never forget his TD in the AFC championship against the raisins.

When he intercepted it I yelled GET DOWN. and my buddy yelled NO. SCORE. Very glad he did.

What an awesome player to have been able to watch. Seemingly an equally awesome person. The only jersey I ever purchased with a name that wasn't mine on it. I wish him all the best and thanks for the memories!

Great decision. If he kept on being concussed, he'd be walking on his heels when he's 40.

A legend. Pure and simple. Every athlete, every person, declines at some point. I begrudge him nothing in that regard. He will always be one of the best Steelers and I am honored to share a name with him haha.

...As light night strikes above the South Hills at the announcement on Channel 11.

I swore off the NFL about five years ago, but this guy....man, he makes a hater remember not to generalize about an entire league. He's a Top Ten all-time Steeler, and we all know what a bold yet accurate statement that is. Thanks for the memories and a set of highlights I'll watch forever.

1st ballot hall of famer, enough said

Don't think I ever saw the burst of closing speed this guy had in anyone before him and won't after. I too have a 43 jersey it will stay with my 58 jersey. An All Time Steeler who future generation will still be talking about.

Bittersweet news. I was hoping he had one more year in him, but I am most thankful he retires healthly and as a Pittsburgher and a Steeler.

As I guy who grew up in the 1970's, the Steel Curtain has always been the standard by which I measure all Steelers' players who have lined up on the defensive side of the ball. First, as a Steeler fan, the best compliment I can ever give anyone is that they fit that mold. In my opinion, Troy fits that mold and deserves to have a die cast in his honor among those 1970 greats.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, as a Steeler fan, I've judged all Steelers by whether they measure up to my nostalgic idea and definition of the "Steeler way." Troy not only measures up but is and has always exemplified the Steeler way -- a guy you can encourage your kids to look up to both on and off the field.

I'll miss him greatly for his greatness on and off the field and also for the fact I feel that part the "Steeler way" is lost with his retirement.

Great player, even better person. Very proud that he is a real Pittsbugher. Thanks 43 - great memories and class all the way.

Absolute legend. Grow up watching him play and thinking it will last forever, and then it's over and it's overwhelming. So proud to be able to experience and the best of everything to Troy and his family

During his peak, I always argued he was UNDERRATED. Just imagine it this way: how many hours of sleep must offensive coordinators have lost while preparing for this guy throughout the years? Most teams have audibles for 7 in the box vs. 8 in the box. Well, how do you feel comfortable setting up checks for a guy who might line up deep, sprint down to the line to show blitz, then bail out and take your best TE/RB in man?

Hey, if anyone can uncover a better YouTube video collecting Troy highlights, by all means, I'm willing to replace the one up there. Best I could find in a hurry.

I am sad that his time on the field is over, but I expect he still has many great things (and a few surprise plays) yet in store in this next phase of his life. Best wishes, Troy.

It's Polamalu!
#43. One of a kind player; one of a kind person...and an ear worm song to boot. http://t.co/QqZiZhoAPK

I use his intensity an his wreck less abandon as an example in coaching my youngest son in the game of football. I tell my son to hit fundamentally but hit with the power and the passion the Polamalu has

That highlight video was the beset 8 minutes of my time that I have spent all year. I remember all those great plays but to watch them all together I was amazed by the volume of amazing plays he made. Sad day.

DK - great article. It sums Troy up well. He will be missed. One thing, though - "sackes."

Embarrassed to admit that I wanted the Steelers to draft somebody else that year. Legendary player. All-time great.

Troy was a true game changer in his prime. One of a kind, indeed. Far too often, great players tarnish their image by hanging on too long to the point of being an embarassment. Not with Troy.

Far too often, in this day and age, a significant consideration for a team's front office is if the player is going to get arrested and go to jail, or tarnish the team image in some fashion. Not with Troy.

It's wonderful that Troy will be immortalized as a lifelong Steeler. Thanks for twelve wonderful years.

It is sad that one of the most unique and gifted athletes that I grew up watching is retiring. I'll never forget the finger tip interception.

I am, however, happy with his decision. It would have torn out all of our hearts to see him wear anything else than the Black & Gold. It would have hurt to see him play as a ghost of his old self.

I wish all the best to Troy and his family.

Great article DK! There will never be another Troy! One of the all time greats to put on that black n gold!

Great Article! Great Player!

I just wept....

Loved the Head and Shoulders line.... nice shout out to the commercial work. :)

He is by far my all time favorite Steeler. Iconic in every sense of the term and as class act as any athlete has ever been. Sadly the end of the Polamalu playing era has come to an end but in reality I'm happy for him and his family more than I'm sad that we the fans will miss watching him play for our Black N Gold.

Thanks Troy for the awesome memories and great job Dejan.

Kudos to Troy for deciding to retire and enjoy his family and the rest of his life. He has already cemented his place in the Hall and his legacy. I always respect any athlete who doesn't just go for the money (or fame or whatever) and continue playing when he knows he can't contribute enough to justify it. And if I were his wife or mother or child, I'd be thrilled to know I don't have to worry about his physical safety all the time.

I'm sure he will continue to find many fulfilling uses for his time, efforts, and money. He is one of those rare stars who really seem to comprehend the great responsibility that comes from great god-given skill.

I've been so proud to know and say that TROY POLAMALU represents the Pittsburgh Steelers, my team.

- sherry h.

Great article Dejan and very poignant summary of how Troy best summarized what being a Steeler means. His legacy to me as a fan will go down as the greatest Steeler of All Time. I will miss watching him play but thank him for all the wonderful years he's given to all of us.

A great player and a wonderful person. It has been amazing watching a player with such skill and passion. Thanks Troy!

SteelCityB : I'm worried about Troy Polamalu's health with the concussions he suffered during his football career and possibility have long term problems like CTE go asked Tony Dorsett.
Other than that , Troy Polamalu is probably the greatest Steele of my time

A great and humble human who happened to be a football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, too.

Refreshing to see some of the local guys break the national Steelers news (Troy's news/LeBeau). Hate when the national guys run with something and try to pass it of as a continuation of their unheralded access and connections.

Polamalu had a great career in Pittsburgh. But the steelers MUST draft someone who plays secondary in the first round now that polamalu is gone. Plus, Ike Taylor's future is unknown too and our secondary isn't so great without them as of right now

DK, your ability to write these kind of features quickly and poignantly is awesome. Truly captures the essence of the man and what he has meant to this city. Great work!

Great article. When Troy was in his prime, there was none better. Not even close. He always seemed to make the play the defense needed at the right time.

I will never forget Troy crowd surfing off the back off a truck on the Blvd of the Allies after the 2006 Super Bowl parade...the utter joy and respect he was sharing with the fans and his teammates. Health, happiness and peace to Troy and his family.Thank you.

Certain players are hard to replace and he is one of them.He is a great player,family man,humanitarian and a true Steeler. I am glad that he is retiring,because of his series of concussion injuries over the years.
Perhaps he can get a coaching job with the Steelers.
I will miss his leap frogging and his great ability to read offenses and his leadership.Enjoy your well deserved retirement Troy.
Great column DK

Certain players are hard to replace and he is one of them.He is a great player,family man,humanitarian and a true Steeler. I am glad that he is retiring,because of his series of concussion injuries over the years.
Perhaps he can get a coaching job with the Steelers.
I will miss his leap frogging and his great ability to read offenses and his leadership.Enjoy your well deserved retirement Troy.
Great column DK

Certain players are hard to replace and he is one of them.He is a great player,family man,humanitarian and a true Steeler. I am glad that he is retiring,because of his series of concussion injuries over the years.
Perhaps he can get a coaching job with the Steelers.
I will miss his leap frogging and his great ability to read offenses and his leadership.Enjoy your well deserved retirement Troy.
Great column DK

The immediate mundane details...

What happens next will determine when the Steelers and Polamalu decice to process the paperwork for retirement. If it occurs before June 1, the Steelers will gain $3.75 million in cap space and have Polamalu count for $4.5 million in dead money. If they wait until after June 1 then they will gain $6 million in 2015 and take a $2.25 million dead money charge in each of the next two seasons.-overthecap.com

Certain players are hard to replace and he is one of them.He is a great player,family man,humanitarian and a true Steeler. I am glad that he is retiring,because of his series of concussion injuries over the years.
Perhaps he can get a coaching job with the Steelers.
I will miss his leap frogging and his great ability to read offenses and his leadership.Enjoy your well deserved retirement Troy.
Great column DK

proud to wear my 43 jersey today. an all time great, congratulations to him on a fine career and happy retirement

Looking forward to driving to Canton in five years for an induction ceremony

God Bless Troy Polamalu, a real man's man.

His diving one handed scoop interception against San Diego will always be what I think of when the name Troy Polamalu is mentioned.

100% effort all the time, never giving up.

I love Mr. Polamalu, and wish him all the best with his family and all endeavors. He epitomized everything I appreciate about sports; humility and intensity. Congrats Troy! Live strong!

He's one of the guys that makes you proud to root for the Steelers. Everybody wants to win, but at the end of the day, there are more important things in life. Good for you Troy - a true great on AND off the field.

In honor of some of Troy's biggest fans, we will be doing a MADD walk in two weeks. Dejan has told me that I could link this site. Please consider giving. We are Pittsburghers. We work hard and play hard, but there is no need to drive that way. I would even love for #43 to come see us too, but please consider giving to this noble cause. http://www.walklikemadd.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.teamDonations&teamID=5354

Just as deserving as Joe Greene to have his number retired. Looking forward to one day seeing 43 retired. No one else is going to touch it, but should they ask Troy may say ok. Don't ask!

I knew it wouldn't be long before Ryan Clark would attach himself to Troy's retirement. What would we ever do without ESPN ?

Thanks for the memories, Troy. You were an all-time great player, and remain an all-time great man.

Great player, the Rod Woodson of his Steeler era. Hall of Famer, but not sure on that first ballot thing. That first ballot election, or lack thereof, never ceases to surprise me.

I am so going to miss Troy Palamau. In my humble opinion he is the best ever safety in football & I have been watching football on television since the first game was televised in the 50's. The Steelers should retire his number: if anyone ever deserved to have his number retired he does! Enjoy being with your family, Troy. After God, they are your treasure!

I'm

Got to spend some private time with Troy on the back portico of the White House during the 2009 SB champions visit. We were watching a demonstration going on at Lafayette Park across the street and he expressed a genuine interest in what the cause was and wanted to find out more but we had to go into the East Room for the reception. No surprise that he was the guy that all of the staffers and their kids gravitated to during the event. I was there purely by accident because of a late arrival but it is an afternoon and an encounter I'll always remember.

Sure - there putting up all the tributes now since all the top level management got there way - they didnt have to cut him. Rooney, Tomlin and Colbert the 3 Stooges!!!!!!

Thanks not only for the read DK but the link. Man I forgot some of this. What incredible ball skills. Thanks for the memories #43.

Thanks for all the memories Troy! A true class act!