There is a long line of defensive legends that have played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Guys like Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Rod Woodson and several others have dawned the black and gold and contributed to the Steel Curtain reputation. Most recently, fans saw legend Troy Polamalu be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 2020. The playmaker had so many memorable plays throughout his career.
It is always an interesting talking point to compare past and present day Steelers on and off the field. No one has yet to look at the comparison of Polamalu after he got married back in 2005 and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt tying the knot on Saturday night. While there are not specific on the field statistical comparisons between the two due to their positional differences, Steelers fans can hope that their favorite player's marriage back in 2005 can relate to a similar success story for the team in 2022.
The Steelers Hall of Fame safety Polamalu married his wife, Theodora, back in early 2005. The retired safety was coming off of his first Pro Bowl season when he had five interceptions and was elected to the star's game in Hawaii. The next year was what really began to cement his legacy in Steelers history. He was a key piece in the team's quest for, what was at the time, a record tying fifth Super Bowl victory.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Polamalu had an incredible year in 2005-06 with a touchdown scored, a forced fumble and two interceptions in the regular season. He also had eight passes defended and two fumble recoveries. Could the newly married Watt have a similarly dynamic season and lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl following his recent marriage?
Steelers fans would love history to repeat itself between these two stars. Not only did Polamalu finish top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting, but his team went on to win a Super Bowl in unexpected circumstances as a six seed with a young quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger at the helm.
There are many similarities between Polamalu's first Super Bowl run and what could potentially be Watt's. No one expected the Steelers to compete for a championship back in 2005 and there is no doubt that no one around the league, Steelers fans included, are looking forward to the team's seventh World Championship this year.
The first comparison could be the two getting married the year prior to a title, but Polamalu was an All-Pro in '05 after his marriage and barring injury, it is impossible to believe that Watt will not receive the honor once again this season.
Photo - JSKO_PHOTO (Twitter)
It all comes down to how superstitious you are as a Steelers fan. A franchise favorite in Polamalu got married, had an incredible season and then went on to hoist the Lombardi Trophy within 365 days. Watt, who seems to be a hit among yinzers everywhere, just had his wedding leading up the the 2022 season. A lot has to fall into place, but if we are comparing Polamalu's greatness and Watt's potential to be a Hall of Famer, one might as well hope that their weddings lead to a couple of Super Bowl victories instead of just one.
Are you superstitious enough to relate Polamalu's marriage to Watt winning a Super Bowl this year? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
