The Pittsburgh Steelers are not just one of the more storied franchises in NFL history, but in all of sports. There are so many legends that have worn the black and gold and gone on to win championships, as well be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Fans from different generations all have their specific favorite players, but it's hard to go wrong with so many inspirational stories, performances and careers. When it comes to overall fans of the NFL and not the organization in particular, it may be easier to specify who is universally beloved.
Steelers legendary safety, Troy Polamalu stands on the playing surface at then-Heinz Field with his lengthy hair in the middle of a game during his incredible career in Pittsburgh. | Photo Credit: Gene Puskar / AP Photo
One of the most generational and eye-opening talents on the football field in the 21st century was Steelers Hall of Fame safety, Troy Polamalu. The ball hawk was much more than just an interception machine. He changed the way offenses prepared and was consistently a thorn in the side of quarterbacks and offensive coordinator's across the NFL.
While he found ways to completely deflate opposing teams and fans, it was almost impossible to dislike him. He came from humble beginnings and he was one of the easier guys to root for in all of football when he played, regardless of the fact that he played for one of the league's most disliked teams. Everyone was always in awe when he timed the snapped perfectly and made a play almost immediately in the backfield.
The Hall of Famer recently Bryant McFadden and Patrick Peterson on the All Things Covered podcast and discussed the brotherhood that is ever-present in the NFL. He continues to have a soft-spoken tone that you would never expect from the hard-hitting, quarterback-swindling safety. It's safe to say he is still just as likable now and maybe even more so than when he played on Sundays.
Steelers legend Troy Polamalu (right) joined Bryant McFadden (top left) and Patrick Peterson (bottom left) to discuss his inspirational football journey. | Photo Credit: All Things Covered Podcast
The admiration that Steelers' and other NFL fans have for Polamalu was made even more clear on Tuesday when The Game Day NFL tweeted a graphic that consisted of the league's highest-selling jerseys of all time. The only Steelers play to land on the list was Polamalu and it's safe to say that it wasn't only fans of Pittsburgh that have bought his jersey in the past.
The fact that Dak Prescott is 4th and Tim Tebow is 9th 😅 pic.twitter.com/2noYnTmGwz
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) June 13, 2023
Polamalu had 783 total tackles, 107 passes defended, 32 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries during his awesome 12-year career in Pittsburgh. He added an AP Defensive Player of the Year award in 2010, as well as eight Pro Bowl nods and four All-Pro selections. He remains one of the best defensive players in the entire 21st century.
Whether you love him because of his hair, dynamic play on the field or humility, it's safe to say that he deserves to be recognized as one of the most beloved players in the last 20 seasons. He completely altered the way the safety position is played and is one of the main reasons that the Steelers were able to capture two Super Bowl titles in the 21st century.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (#43) celebrates following Pittsburgh’s 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, in Tampa, Florida. Photo Credit: Amy Sancetta / AP
Steelers Fans And The NFL As A Whole Lucky To Have Polamalu
Looking back, millions of fans around the league would probably love to see Polamalu play just one more time. He was exciting, out of this world talented and could leave anyone staring at the field with their jaw dropped. Pittsburgh is extremely lucky to have him as a part of its history and he is well-deserving of having one of the highest-selling jerseys in the history of the league.
Are you surprised that Polamalu landed in the top 10? Let us know in the comments below!
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