Legendary Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu Humbled By Heath Miller, Saying He's "Who People Thought I Was"

Pittsburgh Steelers history is full of legendary players, ones who are instantly recognizable to nearly everyone who watches football. That includes features like Jack Lambert's toothless smile and Terry Bradshaw's (once) blond tresses. But almost no one in football was as recognizable as Troy Polamalu. You didn't have to be a Steelers fan to know who number 43 was. As he flew down the field with his thick, black curls streaming out of the bottom of his helmet, your excitement built. You knew someone was about to get tackled. 

Polamalu spent 12 years playing for the Steelers, and after a rocky start his rookie year, he went on to have a Hall of Fame career. He helped the team win two Super Bowls and make it to three. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler and was the NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. His quiet, humble demeanor stood out next to flashy trash-talkers, like James Harrison. 

He has never been shy about crediting his teammates for "pouring into him" and teaching him everything he knew. Recently, he joined his former teammate, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, on his podcast, Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, to discuss his incredible career. Heyward asked Polamalu who his best teammate was. 

"Heath [Miller]," said Polamalu with zero hesitation. "I tell everybody this, he is everything I ever wanted to be and who people thought I was."

That is an incredible comparison. When people describe Polamalu, they mention how soft-spoken he is, mild-mannered and kind-hearted, full of dad jokes with an easy laugh. They talk about what an incredible teammate he was, always supportive and giving back. 

His influence spread far beyond the walls of Acrisure Stadium, then named Heinz Field. Today, it is not uncommon to hear young players cite Polamalu as their idol, saying they would pretend to be him during backyard football games. 

Heath Miller was the Steelers' tight end during that era, and he and Polamalu spent nearly their whole careers playing together. Always gracious, Polamalu shares his favorite Miller story. 

"He was so humble, he knew that there was going to be a recognition for getting a high grade on a test. He purposely got second or third just so that he didn't get that recognition. That's what makes him so different. He's very meek, he's very humble, he's very blue collar, hardworking."

Heyward points out that is nearly the exact description that fellow teammates use to describe Polamalu. Polamalu insists that Miller served as a role model for him. 

Miller is often called the best tight end in Steelers history. He took pride in being an every-down player who could not only catch and run but also throw a wicked block. His tenacity and exceptional work ethic quickly made Miller a fan favorite. 

Steelers' Troy Polamalu Also Gives Minkah Fitzpatrick High Praise

Polamalu is often credited as one of the greatest safeties ever to play football. This is high praise, especially in Pittsburgh, where defense really does win championships. The Steelers now have Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety, and it is no secret that Polamalu left big cleats to fill. Heyward asked Polamalu what he thinks about Fitzpatrick and his style of play. 

He said that he sees Fitzpatrick as a modern-day genius at the position. He looks back at the defenders that helped shape his game - Deshea Townsend, William Gay, etc., and knows that all that accumulated knowledge of the past has been poured into Fitzpatrick. But the game has changed since Polamalu retired; it is ever-evolving, and Fitzpatrick manages to keep up and stay ahead. He sees Fitzpatrick out there outsmarting offenses every week and wishes they could have played together. 

What do you think it was that made Miller so special? Click to comment below!

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