By Tom Jones
(via St Petersburg Times)
Usually, the quarterback is a football team’s most valuable player. But ask anyone who follows the Steelers closely and they’ll tell you Polamalu has been Pittsburgh’s most crucial player the past several years. Ben Roethlisberger is an excellent NFL quarterback, but the Steelers have survived just fine without Big Ben in the past, including a 3-1 record to start last season when Roethlisberger was suspended. But things don’t go quite as well when Polamalu is out. The Steelers are 65-26 since 2004, Polamalu’s first year as a starter, (a .714 winning percentage) with him in the lineup but only 12-9 (.571) without him. In addition, the Steelers force twice as many turnovers per game when Polamalu plays.
NRDGRL
Totally agree! though I’m not a religious Steelers fan yet, like the people at home in the ‘burgh, I still like watching Troy’s amazing gift enough to pay an obsene amount of money and drive four hours to Houston last week to go see my first live NFL game, root for the team and watch him do his THING! It was totally fun!
Matthew
Polamalu is irreplaceable not because of his speed or strength, those will diminish over the years as he gets older and eventually the young-lings will take his place… His value is in his sportsmanship, and his positive attitude.
Troy is one of the finest examples of a role model, He works hard at the game and on his technique and training He doesn’t whine, he doesn’t Bitch, he is not pretentious or cocky(at least on TV) and he gets along with coaches and team.
many young aspiring athletes can look at this man with pride and try to emulate his fine character.
Good luck to Mr. Toy and All the best with his career.
Tyler Dudding
troys my man, without him the steelers wouldnt have the reputation they have today
Lance
Troy is everything that is right in sports, the NFL, and more importantly life. I agree with Matthew and his point about how young athletes should aspire to be him, but most of the world should aspire to be more like him. A man who earns it, appreciates it, and gives back. If everyone acted like that, things would be far better.
I learned of Troy while I was going from teenager to man, and whenever I need to feel inspired or motivation of any kind, i think of what Troy would do. Much like his leaps over offensive lineman, Troy takes the amazing route to the ball. Such in his road of life, Troy is constantly rising above and taking the path few could, the path most wouldn’t even dream of. From there, he reaches success. He has influenced me immensely in my life. Thanks Troy!
Mina
Can’t agree more!
I really like Troy..he’s doing great in/off field. He is a real inspirational role model.
His performance today vs Pats was great.
God bless him.