When it comes to Pittsburgh Steelers, the look and hair of Troy Polamalu may be as iconic as it gets. Polamalu may have only been 5'10", but he played like he was a man amongst boys. He flew around to get the football, would light up ANY quarterback and make spectacular, one-of-a-kind, interceptions. He truly is an icon for Pittsburgh football.
Amy Sancetta/AP
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu celebrates following Pittsburgh’s 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, in Tampa, Florida.
Recently, Polamalu and the rest of his family took a trip to the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum. Located in Acrisure Stadium, the exhibit is home to many artifacts and the rich history of all that is Steelers football.
One statue inside stands out more than any other. This particular statue has long hair and wears the number 43. Humbled by this, Polamalu is quick to respond as he glances at the legendary Jack Lambert's statue:
"Jack Lambert is the only one in here who is represented by a missing tooth."
Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu had a knack for finding the ball whether it was to get an interception or make a tackle.
Created in 2017, the Hall of Honor has done exactly what the Steelers planned when they created it. It gives fans a chance to have a look at the rich history of the franchise as well as showcase the nearly 50 inductees that are in the Hall, with one of them being Polamalu who was inducted in 2020.
As Polamalu was taking his walk through the Hall of Honor, one thing stood out to him. That would be the word legacy. Polamalu explained it more by saying:
"It's nice to be able to really experience the legacy." Polamalu said. "You hear about it often. Quite honestly, it's a blessing to be a part of it and live it. But to experience it in almost a third person perspective is incredible. This team is such a representation of the city, and it's really cool you can almost see the city through the lens of the experience of this football team.
Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu Looking at all the members of the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum, Thursday, May 4, 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Hall Of Honor Touched The Entire Polamalu Family
Polamalu was able to experience this with his wife Theodora and his two sons, Paisios and Ephraim. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was Paisios and Ephraim getting the chance to relive their fathers' pick-six in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens which sent Pittsburgh to the Super Bowl that they would win against the Arizona Cardinals.
The relationships that the Polamalu family made while in Pittsburgh is another reason why this experience was so special. He talked a bit more about that:
"It's so close to them. These guys they are seeing in the museum are their uncles. Almost everyone who was part of the film at the start of the tour who are still alive, are their uncles. Even those who have passed recently like Franco Harris, my children have spent hours with him talking."
David J. Phillip / AP
Troy Polamalu helped set up the Steelers' Super Bowl win with a huge interception of Joe Flacco in the AFC Championship Game.
It was a unique experience that left the whole Polamalu family touched. He would leave this experience with his final thoughts:
"It's just incredible to be a part of this. It's really close to home for me. We know everybody as we walk through here. We have had time on the field with many of them, time off the field with many of them. What is amazing about the museum is you see the beginning of the franchise. And then I have my time with the team in the 2000s. And even now. Now that I am in my 40s to see the 2020s generation, that is incredible to be a part of."
Polamalu will forever be a legend in the city of Pittsburgh. He is the definition of what it means to be a Steeler.
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