A career retrospective of one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, Troy Polamalu. Follow Nonstop Instagram: / nonstop TikTok: / nonstop Twitter: / nonstop Imagery supplied by Getty Images
Steelers vs Ravens was the BEST rivalry of that Era. You knew any time these teams played each other they were tryna straight up MURDER(Ray Lewis pun intended) each other
I got into football around 2006 , stuck to the Ravens as my favorite team, and loved that Era of Ravens vs. Steelers. I only wish the rivalry was just as good now.
@@HoodieDT Hufanga was lucky enough to be mentored by him at least. So glad that kid had some good coaching. I believe Troy was mentored by Ronnie Lott at USC? (Could be wrong there though)
Troy Polamalu is huge to me and other people of Samoan descent, like him I grew up without a father so I had no clue about the culture from that side of me, however growing up when someone asked what a samoan was I would always say “you know Troy Polamalu?” Throughout his career Troy represented us with strength, resilience and intelligence and I am beyond grateful for that
Troy made some of the most incredible plays you will ever see from a Safety. It was like he was everywhere and his ability to time a snap is the best I have ever seen
I swear, every single time I the play started I was just waiting to see if the opposing team was going to make the mistake of trying to run or pass to his side of the field. He was phenomenal.
Troy and Bens retirement got me, growing up watching them will forever be a prized memory. Thank you Troy for putting it all on the line, and the many greats of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ben and Troy are my fav Steelers all time --- for some reason, guys like Hines, James Harrison, and the Bus were cool but didn't have the same aura as Ben and Troy did
Then TP had to do that sucky Coke Zero "remake" of the classic and heartwarming 1979 Mean Joe Greene "Have A Coke And A Smile" TV spot. And that was 100% insulting to Mean Joe and that classic TV spot. Made ZILCH sense.
I agree with everything except when realizing when it's time to retire. He retired 3-4 years too late. Once he got a bite from the injury bug,he seemed to never be able to shake it fully. He was never really the same player once he got injured the entire 2009 season. He would make a comeback in 2010, yet was injured a ton in 2010 tearing his Achilles near seasons end making him ineffective in the postseason. Sure he would show glimpses of vintage Troy in 2011-2014, but he lost a lot of his burst and speed. 2008 Polamalu was peak Polamalu
The whole reason I became a Steelers fan. Watching him was so great, I’m glad he’s in the HOF were he belongs. Gave my son the name Troy because of him, great video as always
I wish you looked a little closer at what made Troy unique. The backstory is great, and the numbers are helpful, but out of context they say little. Troy was great because of how he read plays faster than anyone else could. He read quarterbacks' minds, he timed snaps to get instant sacks. And why he thrived so well in LeBeau's D was because he was basically allowed to do whatever he wanted. He'd constantly be walking in one direction before the snap, and without even turning his back to check the snap he'd dart off in another direction. He was somehow the most impactful player and yet the hardest to find. No one played pre-snap mindgames like Troy. Just the threat of Troy in the area was enough to get QB's to avoid his entire area, so that made them predictable. Troy preyed on that. He is IMO the most cerebral and instinctive player to ever be on the field. That's why he was feared. No matter how well you executed, there's a chance that Troy was one step ahead and about to take your ball.
As a Packer fan, I can honestly say that Troy Polamalu is my favorite, and in my eyes the GOAT at safety, ever. He was so humble, yet so feared. He showed how to lead a team and show sportsmanship.
The guy had what can only be described as a “sixth sense”. One of the most talented players, not only at his position, but in the entire game. He’s the type that coulda played any of them and been good at it.
I heard him tell a story about one time when eh was young and playing football he hit a player and cussed him out on the ground, later he told his brothers and they said “that’s not how we conduct ourselves” after that he was always respectful on the field, not only an unbelievable football player but an even better person off it
I've closely watched football for over 40 years now and 43 is simply the greatest all around pure safety ever!!! He did things we've never seen before or since. GOAT!!!
@Ass Man Joe Flacco did give us a ring but he fell off after that incredible playoff run. Shame he couldn’t keep it up. I still really like Joe. When he was good he was great.
Steelers Ravens warfare was THE best thing ever in those days.. still going strong, but nothing close to the same intensity. And each side was littered with HOFers. We were all lucky ass fans to watch them play. Big love all around for all the good memories, and heartbreaks lol, of those years. Oh yeah.. and the coaches too… miss you Coach Lebeau! And the Jaw! Lol.. ahh what great memories 😄
Polamalu was so good ... That his first "sky crashing moment" in the league, was just losing a few games and still make the pro bowl. On a second note, i remember the first time me and my mom, who is just a casual fan who likes to watch her Steelers when they are good, took notice of Troy was on a game where he came down so fast to make the tackle after he read the play, it almost looked unfair how fast he was ... She instantly learned his name, sometimes that never happened and constantly asked me about Polamalu for several years on. Truly one of the greatest defensive players to ever play.
I played against him in HS three times (late 90s). Greatest player I ever faced and a complete gentleman. 1995 we were 5-0 ranked #2 in state and they were 0-5. Momentum really turned when Troy (an unknown freshman at the time) took a fake punt all the way for their lead. 4th quarter we were driving down to take back the lead - my fumble ended our drive and cost us the game. It's very rare to meet someone who is truly great at what they do, so my thanks to him - it was an honor.
Ravens fan, had to watch him play 2-3 times a year for his career. Truly the only Steeler I ever wished was on my team. Not only was he a phenominal player, he was the kind of guy I wanted on my team. Troy will always have my respect. Good article, thanks for sharing.
You never wished James Harrison was on your team? I know that's a lie because as Steeler fan I loved Suggs. Deebo with Suggs ...that would've been unreal.
I've no idea about this guy saw him play a couple times but I barely watched the NFL, saw the Jordan era growing up in Chicago, the comments on this video remind me of how myself and people admire respect idolize Jordan, someone on this video was saying they named their son troy after polamalu, someone commented they did the same also haha, it's wild stuff but I understand. Role models can be really important for us humans, at all stages of our lives. Something you had learned from watching troy is something you're going to probably be doing the rest of your life, it can be from a social mannerism to a certain attitude or outlook or work ethic and discipline, how you carry yourself etc.
As a sports Steelers fan I am really in live with Troy. I cried when he retired. I miss him so much. He is a great human being as well. I love him and the family. His life is so full for happiness. Love ya man.
I’m a dolphins fan and boy Troy was still my favorite player growing up the way he carried himself on and off the field was special imagine he didn’t get hurt as much his hall of fame stats would’ve been even better 💯💯🔥🔥
A legend who had ZILCH business remaking Mean Joe Greene's classic late 70s "Have A Coke And A Smile" TV spot more than 3 decades later. That Coke Zero remake was ignorantly insulting to Mean Joe...who hated the remake.
As a long time Steelers fan, I can say without a doubt that Troy was the most exciting player anytime he took the field. Looking at any Steeler highlight reel would be filled with Troy clips. One of my favorite players of all time.
Troy is on another level! As a die hard Steelers fan- He is greatly missed! If you ever watched him play live- THAT DUDE IS CRAZY FAST! You blink and he's across the field blasting someone! Best Safety hands down!
I am a life long seattle fan. I grew up right neat where they play. But I am also poly. And Troy is my all time favorite player. He is so skilled. He does our culture proud. The work mixed with skill set him head and shoulders above the rest.
Troy is one of the biggest reasons I grew my hair out and still keep it long to this day. Always loved watching flashy defense and always wanted to be just like him growing up
I always liked the fact that, when the opposing quarter Back(s) would drop back, many times they couldn't visually see where Polamalu was till it was too late.
Man I love Troy. As a young PIT fan, he showed taught me how to embrace contact in HS on defense and what it means to be a leader (I was getting trunked every play prior lmaooo). Probably my favorite player to watch in my lifetime so far. Well wishes to him.
The most exciting player I have ever had the privilege of watching every Sunday. Polamalu made plays that no other defender in the league was capable of making. Truly a special player, and generational talent
One of my favorite players. Islander players are built for this game. Junior being another great. They leave all in the field. In any field they play. Respect.
Troy Polamalu and Charles Woodson were the 2 Defensive guys I tried to model my play after in HS... things I learned from them led to season and hs-career records for my school in tackles, and state records (at the time) for INTs and blocked kicks in a single season, as well as over a 4-year span. Troy was a legend in college and in the pros, and I’m just grateful I got to watch him play and then imitate some of what he gave to game.
Ed was a free safety Troy was a strong safety. The only similarities is the word safety. Completely different jobs on their respective defense. Wish more people would realize that and stop comparing their interception numbers. They were both great but completely different.
@@n8tethegr8t20 no duh I never said FS and SS are the same position.. your dumb comment still doesn't take away from the fact that Ed and Troy played safety spots depending on scheme and the defensive play call.. smh what are new to football? shouldn't have to explain this to a "football fan"
My Favorite player of All Time! This is an absolute legendary video. I never knew the tough childhood Troy had. That molded him to be one of the most fierce athletes to ever play any sport, but also remaining the most humble. I miss watching my Steelers and 43 with all the hair flying around doing stuff I've never seen on a football field. The GOAT! 🖤💛🖤💛
I absolutely love this man. He was never conceited he just got out there and shined. He is humble. When my son played ball I showed him through troy how to get after people without having to be a jerk and be one of thee best safeties there ever was. Love me some troy
I am a Ravens fan, but Polamalu is one of my favorite players I ever watched. He would fly around the field and it felt like he was everywhere on the field. I hate the Steelers but have the upmost respect for them and especially The Samoan Headhunter
My favorite Troy play came v Broncos in 2005/6 AFCCG. Broncos had a screen set up that would've gone for major yardage and somehow Troy's pure speed and instincts fought through two blocks and he made the play.
Truly incredible watching him play. As a titans fan I hated going up against him but I always enjoyed watching how well he played the game. What a legend. If I could pick any safety from any team ever to play on my team it’s a no brainer. He’s the GOAT at that position in my book.
I feel bad for ppl who never saw him play. The fear when the ball was in the air. The fear when he was chasing someone. The fear the fear the fear.... Guy impacted the field like crazy.
Polamalu embodies the spirit of a true defensive player. His persona and his play made you want more. Along side of Reed, Lewis, Blount, and even the great Butkus, Troy Polamalu has secured his presence amongst the greatest on the defensive side of the football. Thanks for your great display of talent.
The single most absurd sports moment I've ever seen was Peyton as a Bronco calling audibles and Troy moved to every one, resulting in a Peyton calling a time out.
When I was a substitute teacher one of my students told me she was having dinner in a local restaurant with her boyfriend and Polamalu came in with his wife, people waved said hello and he was very nice to everyone there too. When he was finished, he thanked the people there and then announced that for no one bothering him and his wife and allowing them to have a nice quiet dinner he then picked up the tab and paid for everyone's dinner there.
I lived near polamalu and he would work out at the football field where i would practice soccer. Ive never seen anyone run backwards so fast in my life.
