By Rocco DeMaro
SteelersLIVE Xtra
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Monday, July 25, 2005
Imagine the following scenario if you will as far-fetched as it may seem:
A strong safety correctly reads 'run' pre-snap. The play starts. The safety makes his way toward the line of scrimmage, sheds a blocker and makes a bone-jarring tackle 2 yards into the backfield.
Now the best part:
The safety hears the whistle, gets up and prepares for the next play.
That's it.
No celebration dance. No elaborate gesticulation. No cell phones. No taunting.
Welcome to Polamalu country -- where the tackles are hard, the effort is intense and the frivolous celebrations are non-existent.
Hines Ward's #86 Steelers jersey is seen just about everywhere in greater Pittsburgh. You can't watch a Steelers game without seeing hundreds of 86's in the stands.
Fans love Hines' attitude, his aggressiveness, his tenacity. They love the fire with which he plays the game. They LOVE that he throws his undersized frame around with the reckless abandon and courage that would make a hollywood stuntman cringe.
And he smiles. He always smiles.
The abundance of 86s on gameday is a fine tribute to a fine player from a city that craves character in their sporting characters.
Which brings us to Troy.
He also possesses all the above characteristics in abundance (the smiling part, included). But for some reason, finding his #43 jersey at Heinz Field on Sundays is easier said than done.
That could be because Troy Polamalu is the 'Bizarro' star of the 21st century NFL.
"He's probably the most respectful and humble person I know. Troy's one of the nicest and greatest people I know," said Keary Colbert, Polamalu's former roommate at USC and now a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers. "That's not just a front or a show, either. That's who he is, on and off the field."
Polamalu is a soft spoken, spiritual man. He doesn't seek out the spotlight.
…Touchdown!! And T.O. has just pulled something from his sock…is that a sharpie?...
He's humble.
…another TD for Randy Moss!! That makes it…wait a minute. It looks like Moss has just mooned the fans here at Lambeau Field!...
He describes football as an art form.
…Touchdown New Orleans!! Joe Horn!! And Horn has somehow produced a cell phone!!…
He shows respect to his teammates and opponents alike.
…Another touchdown for T.O.!! And he's doing it again! Owens is running to the Star at midfield here in Dallas for the second time today…
When asked of his most admired quality in people Polamalu replied simply, "Honesty."
In short, he's not what you'd expect from an NFL player in 2005.
"Let me say this, Troy Polamalu is the best safety in the game today, and I'll go on record in saying that. The things you ask him to do and the production that he has, and what he does week in and week out, I wouldn't want any other guy."
-Bill Cowher, '04
Troy Polamalu made his first Pro Bowl in 2004, in just his second season. He's an all-world athlete with superior skills and the heart of a warrior.
He makes the highlight reel plays (see Steelers v. Bengals) as well as the routine.
He's a beast in run support and an emerging ball hawk in coverage.
And best of all, he's a throwback. A down to earth man who just happens to be a football player.
He's everything a fan-and particularly a Pittsburgh fan--could possibly want out of a player.
Did I mention that Polamalu, a multi-millionaire, arrived at training camp last season in his Kia? A Kia.
Now about those jersey sales.
Rocco hosts Weekend Sportsline with Rocco DeMaro Saturday's 1-4 p.m. on FM Newstalk 104.7. He can be reached at mrd163@hotmail.com .
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