May30
Memorial Day Reflections
Last year, at this time, I was full of anticipation and excited about training camp, knowing with confidence that it was just weeks away. It feels really strange to be in limbo because of the lockout. The eve of football season has always been that time of year when my mind and body begin to anticipate the coming struggle. The drums of inspiration begin to beat inside of me, awakening the reality that victory always comes on the other side of struggle and sacrifice. I hear the call to readiness. I know the necessity of preparation; I know the consequences of neglect; I have tasted both the bitterness of defeat and the sweetness of victory. 
Neither is ever predetermined. Neither guaranteed. If commitment and determination might make a difference in the outcomes of our battles, it is worth the deliberate practice of both. Victory is worth every sacrifice.
This Memorial Day I was at the Indy 500 and I saw a number of things that encouraged me about this great nation that has been built on the idea that freedom is victory and that sacrifice and commitment are expected from every American Patriot. It is good to see pomp and circumstance surrounding our national anthem and our flag. It is beautiful to parade our stealth bombers and fighter jets through the air. It is an inspirational reminder to see 300,000 fans cheer for Parnelli Jones as he drives Indy’s first winning car, the 1911 Marmon Wasp, for a victory lap on the 100th anniversary of that great race. We are Americans. It is good to celebrate our history, our ideas, our heros. It is essential that we remember what it takes to provide common defense for liberty. Remembering the sacrifices and commitments that have given us the freedom to race 500 miles for sport or challenge the limits of our physical strength and agility on an NFL field. The struggle of sport embodies America.
Every year since I was 10 years old I have felt the same jitters and joy on the eve of football; it is as if each season is the beginning of a new life; an opportunity to be a part of something awesome; a place to find identity in the outcome of a team; a place to play a role, provide protection, and receive brotherhood. I feel this right now. Every aspect of this game is an integral part of me. In faith, I believe that it has helped form me into the man God intended for me to be. From the training room, to the field, to the corporate office I am molded by the demands of this great game. As I pray in the darkened hours, as I enjoy my family in the brightest sunshine of full day, the sacrifices of football join me. Every time I have the pleasure to meet a devoted Pittsburgh fan, whether in the surf of San Diego or the Pits at Indy, I am reminded of the great privilege of this game. As I get to live life with tremendous men as my teammates, or visit friends in the hospital, or enjoy the blessings of my church community – the opportunities that football has provided never depart from me. This game has carved my flesh, burned my spirit, and trained my mind. It has challenged me physically and mentally, and served as a spiritual exercise to help me to become a more complete person. And were it not for freedom, I could have none of it. On Memorial Day, I am reflecting on how grateful I am to our active duty men and women and our military veterans. This nation owes its life to such men. Each of us owes all of our freedoms to such men. Each of us should try to emulate such men: fighting for freedom, living with justice, exercising mercy and grace whenever possible. Thank you veterans! You are an inspiration!
Patty
Well said!
Arlene Tatum Joynes
Troy,
Yes! I knew you were a good man. Everyone needed to read those words. Our military are unsung heros. Thanks for recognizing their importance to our nation. Thanks for being you. God bless.
Gary Donatelli
Dear Mr. Polamalu,
Thank you for your inspiring words. We are so proud that you are not only a Pittsburgh Steeler, but a man of family and faith. Thank you again.
Gary
Kathleen
I feel that same excitement as an elementary teacher. While vacation provides needed rest and
rejuvenation, I always eagerly anticipate a new school year and all the challenges and
lessons it will bring. Of course, the beginning of school also means the beginning of
the regular season for the NFL. I really hope both sides will come to an
agreement. New beginnings are good for many people. Please don’t take the
new season feeling away from all the NFL fans around the country.
Patty Rapposelli
Troy you are a blessing….I hope that you will continue to be the man you have become…..for your family, your teammates, and your fans…..we thank all veterans for their service to our country……let us never forget!!!
Jonathan McDonough
Its always awesome to have support from the home front, especially from my favorite football team. Wish you the best of luck and look forward to another great season. I just hope that I get to see the games since I’m getting ready to deploy gain. Thanks again for all the support.
bonnie
As always you never disappoint, very well said , your faith, your pride, the love of our LORD your love of the game shines .. ..we do owe our lives to these men today as I sat with family out in the fresh air as planes did a fly by taps were play prayers were offered one had to feel pride and love for this great country and for our military to echo your words veterans ~~ you are truly an inspiration.. Troy you are an inspiration to us that see you play with such gusto, to speak of your faith , to be a true gentleman than you Sir ..:)
sharon1017
From a family where many of the men served in the military, I thank you for your kind words and support. My husband’s father was also a member of the military as where many of his relatives. Once again, thank you and as a life long Steelers fan, we are looking forward to the new season and hope an agreement will be reached soon. Go Steelers!!
Jackie
I Thank you for your kind words of america and what our troops and veterans stand for glad to have you aboard and your one heck of a football player GOD BLESS
Pat
Dear Troy,
this has always been inspirational to me at new year’s. But could easily reflect for you the new season. Be healthy.
I Am the New Year
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time
I am your next chance at the art of living
I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned during the last 12 months of life.
All that you sought the last year and failed to find is hidden in me, I’m waiting for you to search it out again, with more determination.
In me lies the potential of all that you dreamed but didn’t dare do, all that you hoped for but did not perform, all that you prayed for but did not yet experience.
These dreams slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of an enduring purpose.
I am the New Year.
Kate
What inspiring words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your gifts, your talents, and your beliefs with us – Steelers and non-Steelers alike! I am proud to have you on our team, proud to share this great nation with you, and proud to call you a brother as a child of God. May you always feel his loving presence, may you always find the joy and gratitude for the blessings He lavishes on you, and may you always be a Steeler!
I feel that my life is much richer and my thoughts are turned deeper every time I read your words of faith and life.
Tim Spangle
Prophetic words that can be applied to anyperson working in a factory, on a construction crew, what ever americans do, we do it better than anybody
Steve Prowant
Well said Troy. I too am thankful for our veterans, active duty men and women, and the sacrifice of their families. I am lifted up by comments like yours. It does my heart good, knowing there is a thread woven through the people of this great nation that binds us together. Knowing we are one in this regard, makes me an even bigger fan of you, and the Steelers. ( if that is even possible) I pray God will bless you and your family.
Charley
http://youtu.be/Uju1UdVFzNY
Jackie Campbell
Troy~
You have a fantastic way with words and speaking so much truth. Thank you for your continuous voice of faith in our Lord and your ability to always be positive in this time of the unknown with the lockout and anything that the future holds. I am very proud to be a Steeler fan and a fan of you as a player, and a person. Keep the wonderful words flowing! Thank you very much and may God Bless you always
Kevin
Very nice. You are a great representative of the best football team in the NFL. Keep up the great job!! GO STEELERS!!
deborah
thank you troy, you are so sweet and caring , may god bless you and your family and have a new exciting football season
Marlene
Thank you Troy for the kind words of wisdom, you are a man of honor and family man. We are proud to say that you are a Pittsburgh STEELER….GOD BLESS AMERICA
Brandon
It has been and will continue to be a privilege to be a STEELERS fan. Your eloquent words sum up the day. I too strive to be a better father, husband, friend, and colleague everyday of my life. The struggle is life, and life is good. Thank you Troy and God bless us all everyday. Oh, and may the lockout end soon, I have tickets for Dec. San Fran v. STEELERS!
Lee
well said,,,i totally agree Troy
Pat
Well said Troy, thank you and thank all of our troops around the world for the service and sacrifices. GOD BLESS all and God Bless America
TRobert Dolan
Minutes ago, I just walked by you and your beautiful children at CostCo. Not the time or my place to interrupt your family time, but wanted to say thank you for this post. As a Marine for over 10 years, it is good to hear such words from a warrior such as yourself. You’re a great football player but an even greater man. If you ever want a tour of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, hit me up! It’s an inspiring place.
Ron
Troy, I just want to say to you, as you are inspired by the people of this nation and , in particular, our military , Im just as sure your freedom to be the best you can be gives them inspiration as well. As a public figure , your accessiblity to our troops via television each week during the football season gives them the feeling you are living the freedom they so willingly give their time for, and fight so unselfishly to maintain. Again, thank you for your inspiration to all of us.
Doris
You are truly an inspiration to all young and old. I can’t wait to see you on the football field again. Thanks for you words for America. We are a great country.
Debbie
your words hopefully will inspire many americans & remind them how very lucky we are in this country.We may not have all we desire,but what we do have:freedom,family & many other things,don’t ever take any of these for granted,count ur blessings & truly thank our dear lord every day.God bless our Steelers & may u all have an awesome & safe season.Our steelers are the best!
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Joann
Your writing is reflective of the eloquent man that you are. I am a true Troy fan. Far more than your brilliant skills as a Pittsburgh Steeler, I am a fan of the man of faith and family that you embody. Your work ethic, humility, sincerity and values are powerful messages for our young men to emulate. I join you in remembering all of those who have gone before us and those who serve us now in protecting our freedom. I hope the NFL and players can soon come to an amicable agreement. This is never easy.
Ron Keene
To often, we see or read about the lives of men and women in the public view, who should portray themselves as role models to our children, only to fall short. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to maintain your beliefs,values and morals. Thank you for being that role model our society desperately needs. Please know that I value that as much as I respect your incredible skills on the football field. As a die hard Steeler fan I am always glad to see the team values character as much as they do talent. Thank you again.
Betty Petersen
Your word,s should be shared an felt by every American. To me you are a great example of an American,Cant waite to see you on the field.Love the Steelers.
Jared Albin
As a former soldier, I would like to thank you for your words.
Soldiers don’t view ourselves as heros. We’re just doing our job. What we view as heros are people like yourself that give the young a positive role model to follow. Here you are, a NFL player and reigning Defensive Player of the Year for the NFL, giving out awards for the top student of the year, finishing your college education, holding a competition to hang around with you, holding multiple autograph sessions, sending out autographed jerseys, and many more things.
You are a hero as well. You make money that people only dream about but go out of your way to give back to your fans and community. You are an inspiration to all of us.
I look forward to watching you play this season, just as I have for the last 8 seasons.
Cathy Hively
You are my hero…the spiritual warrior and I LOVE watching you play. I am reaching out to your support of veterans and hope you’ll be interested in helping with a project. I am a 62 yr old laid off school teacher who has inherited 70 acres of beautiful woods west of Lake Tahoe CA. It would be a perfect place for a veterans recovery facility. I have reached out to Ty Pennington but know that with all the disasters Extreme Makeover is going to be overwhelmed, but he has the contacts. But I think you might too as I’ve been following your tweets about veterans. Do you have someone who could champion my project and see what’s possible? As a single teacher I have no funds, but my land is remarkable. I tell people God comes here to rest and recover. I think this is what God wants with the land…I’m the end of our family line and the land is magic.
I can’t afford the football game pkg on my Direct TV, but know that I will watch you every opportunity I get. I love watching your uncanny timing…you are something! And I love the soul inside that warrior. Even if you can’t help me, I admire you and pray for your continued amazing modeling for the youth of today. Thank you for making the game I love almost a magic show!!!
Cathy