by Josiah Schlatter
Another in a series of interviews with pro sports stars by Off the Bench intern Josiah Schlatter, who, unlike his editor, is someone athletes will agree to talk to because he’s personable.
OFF THE BENCH: Hey Troy, nice to talk to you. Jazz musicians have been known to immerse themselves so much in their music that they almost literally forget where they are or what they’re doing. You ever snap yourself out of playing football in that kind of manner?
TROY POLAMALU: At times, I would say. But I guess training more for me. Football is pretty much played 16 times a year, where training is kind of a year-round thing. So obviously, more training than anything.
The best thing about football for me is the reacting. It’s a lot of instincts. But training for me, it’s more for the meditating. And I spend more time training than actually playing football. So I get into that zone during training more than anything.
I’ve noticed that after every huge hit you lay out, you’re usually pretty calm afterward. Most people are jumping up and down, celebrating themselves, while you’re more regulated. Is sportsmanship a big part of your game?
I dunno, I think the part of who you are as an individual is important. Different people react in different ways in different circumstances. The great thing in life is you can make these choices. You can be very excited in one moment and then get completely humbled in the next. I enjoy the humble part of the game, whether it’s good or bad for me.
Do you think your calm demeanor is a little bit intimidating for opposing wide receivers who are used to safeties who are going nuts after every good play?
Oh, no. I’m not intimidating at all. (Laughs). James Harrison’s intimidating. I just try to go out there and play football the best way that I know how.
So you spent a lot of last season battling foot and leg injuries. Did that effect you on the football field where it was in the back of your mind, thinking, ‘Oh man, I can’t make that play that I usually make because of this lingering doubt in my brain about my knee.’
Nah, as a football player you just deal with injuries. It’s all part of the football game. I’ve dealt with injuries as much as everybody else. People have dealt with worse injuries than I’ve dealt with. It’s all part of the game, all part of getting that tackle.
I’ve always wondered; in the old days, people used to all go out to dinner together as a team. Now that most athletes are multimillionaires, is there still that team bonding camaraderie off the field?
Yeah, we do. Many of us break up into groups by position, like defensive backs. Sometimes we’ll bring in some linebackers. Running backs may join us. But yeah, we do get together.
Now with the horrible lockout situation coming up, I’m sure you’re financially sound, but what are the second-string guys, the guys who live more day to day with their paychecks, what do you think they’ll do for money?
Well, they make more money than the general public as well. I think the people who are really going to need help are the ones working security. Working concessions. They are people who are really counting on that income. These are people that have it as their second, third or fourth job and now they’re in need of another paycheck. I think they’re really going to affected by this lockout, and I’m hoping they can make it through.
I see you guys with the Steelers are moving a lot pre-snap, while for example the Philadelphia Eagles are completely still. How important is that misdirection to confuse the offense before the snap?
Well, it’s different. It’s different for each team. Some teams like to disguise their coverage, disguise their blitz, because some teams don’t want to show their hand because then you don’t know the weakness of the defense and now you don’t know where to attack it. So, it’s like in anything in life or like anything in sports.
I noticed that when you’re on the football field, you have that Ray Lewis quality to you where you can just run through someone. There’s no hesitation to your game, which is really amazing to me. How’d you develop those instincts? Were you given them or is that from years and years of preparation?
Well, I don’t think I have a Ray Lewis instinct by any means. I don’t think I’m anywhere near that level. I guess I developed what I got from practice, I would say. Not that I have ‘it’, but I think to get it you need more and more practice, more and more repetition, like anything.
Now with the potential lockout, Chad Johnson of the Bengals is trying to play some soccer. Do you think other athletes will follow in his footsteps and try other sports?
Eh, you know, it takes a tremendous amount of skill to be a football player. And some of these guys have enough skills to do other sports. Soccer could be one. Basketball could be another. Things where you need incredible hand eye coordination are always options. I think a football player would be able to adapt to a lot of sports.
I’ve watched a lot of Steelers football in the past, and I always see a little glimmer in your eye, a little sadness that your greatest ability is to hit someone extremely hard to stop them in their paths from doing what they want most in life. Do you ever feel for the other player after you tackle him?
Um, yeah, in a way. You don’t want to hurt anybody. I don’t think anybody really wants to go out and really injure somebody. The nature of the game is a very violent and physical game, and that’s the way the game is played.
James Harrison has always been known as a very mean guy, but I’ve been told he’s a very funny and personable man when you really get to know him. Are there any cool Harrison stories you have where he’s actually portrayed in a good light?
Oh, I have a lot of those. He’s a great, great person. He does have that enigma about him that he’s mean all the time, and he may look it when he’s out on the football field, but he’s really a great great person. Very funny, and honest. A great football player.
(via NBC Off The Bench)
Angela R. Phillips
Troy, I just want to tell you that I think you are a superb athlete and I am your number one fan!! You’re my favorite “STEELER”
cpmon1975
thanx for signing the cross after every play, the networks are showing other players and other athletes in different sports doing it now. it may seem like a small thing to do but it is making a difference. I couldn’t see you playing for any other team although I may have to eventually someday, as long as it’s not in the same division especially the “old browns”, or the cowboys. Yuck just thinking it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, excuse my while i go rinse my mouth out.
Ellen Meeks
Great interview — As always — respectful and thoughtful. Troy is a great football player and person. I’m proud my grandsons look up to him.
Delilah Wilson ......Steeler lady 4 Life
Well Troy……I loved all the answers u gave there. U are an AWESOME player! I love being a STEELERS fan there is no other way but STEELER NATION!!!!! Keep up the Excellent work u all do! Peace & much Love !!!!
Mike Mamhot
Right on Troy, Keep up the great work ,my braddah, Aloha…
terre humphrey
Thank you for choosing to play for THE steelers love you thanks.
Ana
This is so Amazing! I loved this Interview. Its been a while since we’ve heard from Him. He is such a Humble man. God lifts up those who humble themselves
kay laratonda
I had written before and was told that someone would get in touch with me regarding a request- My aunt will be 102 in Oct and she LOVES Troy-She is alert and has a great memory- Would you consider making her happy by paying her a visit in Hollidaysburg, outside of Altoona. She was aNUrse for many years and helped so many people- I would like her to have a bang up Birthday. Please respond if possible Thank you in advance
John Harris
Troy you are the best safety that has every played the game. I am a STEELER through and through and have been for 40 years I bleed black & gold but this lock out really has me bummed out actually im very mad about the whole thing the thought of not seeing the STEELERS play this year really breaks my heart i guess i will just have to break out my old tapes
always Sweet Caroline
As always you protray such humility which speaks volumes of your character. Malo le taumafai, Malo le ta’alo ma le loto fa’amaualalo.
jean shellenberger
troy, you are so humble. I think that is the key to your sucess, the fans love you. I personally think that you are above the level of ray lewis. you do your job well and don’t get involved with the trash talk. thank-you for the years that we have had the pleasure of watching. you are awsome to watch…..goe stellers in 2011 !!!! jean s
Joyce OBrien
Troy, you are the best. You prove to be the “tasmanian devil” on the field and a wonderful caring person off the field. We LOVE you!!
Connie Smith
You are always a Class Act Troy!
Kim
I have never seen such a humble God loving sports person as troy. He has so much passion and love for people in general, But to be that way on the field is a huge blessing for him. I can see him pray before plays and after plays and everywhere in between. It takes a special person who is truely blessed to show the whole world who he truely is and what he is about on and off the field. I love troy for the person he is and the talent he has. God bless the Steelers and STEELER nation! Peace to all.
Francisca Ferreira Góes
You’re a wonderful person
Phoebe Hendrix
Hi Troy:
I come from a long line of Steelers fans. When I was a child our house was gold with black trim, if that tells you anything. I just wanted to tell you that you are a class act through and through and I absolutely love the Head & Shoulders commercials.
Isabella
My mom is a huge Steelers fan, and even when I was little and didn’t understand football at all, you were so fun to watch. Now, I am a major Steelers fan living smack in the middle of Ravens country. I get a lot of trash from it at school and sometimes it just seems like so much work to have to defend myself for wearing a Steelers jersey. But then there is a game and I get that giddy, happy feeling in my stomach when you win. All I can do is smile and my stomach does little summersaults. And one time, I dressed up as you for Halloween! It was awesome, it was probably one of my happiest Halloweens. Even now, thinking about the Steelers and you just makes me so happy. I love watching and reading your interviews, you are so genuine. And Bob Marley is one of my favorites too.
Last year I went to a Wailers concert where Michael Franti also performed.
My mom always talks to me about the famous Steelers players from when she was a girl (like Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, and Franco Harris) and I know that when I talk about the Steelers to my children, you will be the player I always mention. My dream is to meet you like my mom met Franco Harris at a drug store when she was younger. She got a picture with him! Maybe I will run into you at a convenience store! Boy, that would be SO COOL! Thanks for giving me a reason to enjoy football and the whole Fall season!