How Good Was Troy Polamalu Actually?
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- Опубліковано 31 січ 2023
- A career retrospective of one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, Troy Polamalu.
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That era of Roethlisberger, Ward, Polamalu vs Lewis, Suggs and Reed was some of the best football I've ever seen
The 2010 Steelers and ravens defenses combined might net an offensive score.
Good Times 😎
All the turns in NFL history came from that rival
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.
He's the walking embodiment of, "Speak softly and carry a big stick."
you can also switch the st in stick with...
@@xaninuax "BR"?
@@xaninuax “CH”?
@@TonganInTech
D
@@chancereally
D
We will never see another Troy Polamalu again.
He was in a word, PHENOMENAL
Nah that one safety for the 49erS
@@KyleHamilton14 talanoa hufanga is nowhere near Troy P
@@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)
@@KyleHamilton14
He's good. But he's not Troy P. good.
Idk Minkah Fitzpatrick has a chance to be on that level.
He lined up in the C-Gap
Instant legend
“IT WAS A HUNDRED-PERCENTER AJ!”
Polamalu bounced his happy ass over there
The wind guided him there
"I saw the Angel of Death waiting for me in the C-gap"
Are we not gonna talk about how pat almost died?
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
Same 😂 I would either say Troy or the rock
He was a great representative of Samoans because of all the traits you laid out but also his humbleness and genuinely nice personality
Awesome, but you also have The Rock as a role model too
My favorite safety of all time. I feel that he was the driving force of those Steelers defense
I always felt like the Samoan people respected and adored Troy a lot more than the Rock
I’m a Steelers fan and I just want to say I’m happy you made this video bc Troy is my fav player of all time
Same
Reason I played football
Same
I’m a ravens fan I don’t like the Steelers but Troy was a beast definitely top 3
@@DrLaGz1234 top 3? He’s top 2 and he’s not 2nd 😭
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.
Nothing better than an undersized player destroying the Doubters and stacking Superbowls!
@LodeStar Sprayer 5' 10" 207 isn't that undersized maybe a little short but not absurdly so. If he was 5' 10" 170 I would agree
4.3 forty! That's pretty fast!
BALLSACK! SCROTUM HANGING DOWN LOW AND SWINGING IN THE WIND
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
The Troy Palamalu and Reed safety era was special
And Dawkins
@@WhaleRider-bi8yf Dawkins prime was a bit before those two if I remember correctly. Dawkins was early 2000s, and they were mid to late 2000s.
@@denisfolcik1373 still.. all 3 were around at the same time. My favourite 3. #20 #43 #20 Absolute Legends!
Sean Taylorrrrr I loved watching them all
we really had troy P, ed reed, bryan dawkins and sean taylor at the same time
Troy Polamalu was an absolute glory to watch on AND off the field! Smart person to realize when to retire before doing more damage than it’s worth.
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
He was MVP of the Steelers defense and arguably the most dynamic safety to ever play the game.
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
Literally, same here. He's the reason I'm a Steelers fan today and I also named my first born son Troy too!
@@danielcottrell6960 well isnt this wholesome as shit!
Kinda cringe
I also became a Steelers fan because of Troy. I don't have any kids yet but I really wish I could've made it to his enshrinement ceremony.
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.
Lifelong Bengals fan. He was terrifying. Truly one of the best ever. Respect. 💪
More than a Hall of Fame safety---he's a Hall of Fame person! Well wishes for the remainder of your life Mr. Polamalu! Godspeed!!
I have been a Steeler fan for all my life, I am 65, and went to the "70 games. Troy would have fit in perfectly in that decade.
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.
Man, I miss this kid! He is something special! Not only a great football player, but a very humble and good human being!
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
As a lifelong Ravens fan, Polamalu has my respect. Had some great battles back in the day
I'm so glad I grew up in a time I could watch Troy play. Truly one of the best there will ever be.
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.
He's one of those names you hear and doesn't need any justification, no matter what team someone is a fan of. Undeniable great.
My man Troy was a once in a lifetime talent. The plays he made and his timing were honestly super human.
That islander kids from the 49ers kinda reminds me of him
Troy Polamalu, one of THE greatest to ever grace the field. Pittsburgh definitely misses you.
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 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.
Totally. Well said. Ed reed was like that, too. Both those guys were obviously the most dominant players when they were on the field.
Luke Kuechly too. I love those cerebral players on D, they're always my favourite to watch
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!!!
Always the best athlete on the field or any field come Sunday... A true Icon.
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 ravens fan and have nothing but respect for Troy. He was a monster!
@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.
Well you guys had Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. That's what made those games so good. I still remember the bloody nose game.
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 😄
There will never be any other player in the league like Troy. He is an absolute legend.
Me but without the memory for plays
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.
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 💯💯🔥🔥
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.
Nah, respected but wouldn't have wanted him. I'm a homer for my Baltimore teams.@@joshsmith3598
Legit my favorite player ever. Had me in tears when he had the pick six to send us to the SB. 🐐
Probably greatest moment in Steelers history the past 25 years --- that pick six was like out of a movie!
Id give anything to feel that moment again as a kid
When that happened I went so crazy that my dog bit me. Good times
@@ronfroehlich4697 ahahahaha, you mustve really been goin wild
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.
Troy was different. He was so incredible to watch every week and just made Steelers football so entertaining to watch
He was beyond great. I’m glad we got to be witnesses of his talent
Polamalu. Taylor. Clark. Harrison. Farrior. Porter. Keisel. That defense was LEGENDARY.
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.
Well I would put him and Rod Woodson at that level. Woodson a little above Troy as well. Has far as off the field Troy hands down the best
Born-and-bred Pittsburgher here, it was amazing watching Troy tear it up here. A legend.
Mr. Troy Polamalu gave it all on the field and deserved every reward he received. You don't know what you had until it's gone has never to so true.
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.
LEGENDARY! Such a role model. Best wishes Polamalu. Steelers all time legend fr!
I played HS in Pittsburgh in his era and we all, and I mean all of us had his Jersey. Legend.
I grew up in Pittsburgh. Went to Allderdice. Just curious what school you attended.
@@jared699 I went to plum lol
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!
Favorite player of all time, This dude is the reason i started watching and loving football. GOAT Safety, one of a kind.
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
He was an all time great safety and one of the most fun players to watch during his prime.
Strong safety definitely a good case to be had for him there but overall? I would put Ed Reed slightly ahead of him.
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.
True story I’ve actually got to meet him in real life in Enterprise AL.
He’s a truly amazing individual. 💯
What was he doing there?
@@fredwerza3478 charity event
LUCKKYYY
@@Rvainlefty I truly am 💯
All I needed to see was the headline to click on this notification 😂
Troy is the reason ima Steelers fan for life in KC in Chiefs fan family.
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 made us all proud to be Steelers fans. Here's hoping we have another one in Nick Herbig.
Great video! Troy deserved something like this to sum up his amazing career.
On top of being so great he was so much fun to watch play, took chances and made some insane plays all while rocking that beautiful head of hair
There’s plenty of quality NFL players at any given time. They come and go. But Polamalu was one of a kind. Spectacular player and a good man.
we needed this!
You always make great videos!
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.
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.
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
Best strong safety I’ve ever seen I wish I appreciated him more when he played
Didn't see Ed Reed then huh
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.
@@unseen2553 ^^ don't understand football too much do ya? The position is interchangeable and guys will play both positions during a game smh
@@stackbundles7058 its literally two different positions, in his hof it says strong safety not free safety
@@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"
He was an absolute legend!!!
I have been waiting for this for so long
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.
My all time favorite player/human in any sport. Dude played like a raging psychopath but was the most gentle soul
Kinda like Seau.
I don't think I have ever seen Troy play deliberately dirty ever, aggressive yes but never really dirty.
What an absolute legend
I love these kinds of stories and this channel is the best to do it!
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! 🖤💛🖤💛
Troy was an absolute force on the field, and fun to watch...he was like a madman out there flying around.
FINALLY UR DOING ONE ON TROY Polamalu
I have been waiting for this video for years from y'all.
IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO. He is the goat!
Now I need a how good was Ed Reed actually
I’d say he was pretty good haha
The best ever that's how good
One of the best to ever do it. He’s the pride of SC and it’s awesome to see Tanaola Hufanga following in his footsteps!
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
as a Browns fan.. Polamalu, Ed Reed and Ray Lewis still haunt my dreams.
As a Bengals fan, we have huge respect (and fear) for this man. What a legend!
Been waiting for this one ☝🏿
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
One of the best to ever play in the NFL.
I think you should do ed reed next to show the ravens Steelers rivalry dynamic
Wow, Troy went through some real ish, glad you made it bruh, most of us are still in the struggle, ish is mad real!!!
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 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.
Troy is a legend
fr
Out of all his amazing talents, his humility is by far the most responsible for his success.
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.
One of the best footballers ever. Definitely a top 5.
A top 5 safety.
@@jared699 Certainly. In my opinion an even better footballer than Tom Brady.
One of the best defense players of all time!!!
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.
Polamalu's numbers are good, but the eye test is what makes him special. I've never seen a more intense, intuitive, and intelligent defensive player. He just always knew exactly when to blitz, when to drop off, and when to get in the gap. It was like he had every team's playbook memorized. Go back and watch some actual game tapes from the mid 00's and just focus on him... it's amazing to watch.
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.
🤣 that must of been frustrating as hell for Peyton.
The dude was psychic. I've never seen a player with that level of instinct in the NFL
My favorite was when he flew over the top of the line to break up a quarterback sneak against the Titans.
@@russs7574 that was absolutely insane!!! these are the moments you are looking at the tv and think what just happend?!!!
@@russs7574he did that against the ravens in the AGCCG too
TROY POLAMALU#43 .. 1 OF THE GREAT SAFETIES IN NFL 🏈 HISTORY ..
You won't know it unless you watched him play but he was a true 1 of a kind. A complete game changer and disruptor. No one before or since has played the game like troy.
Great tribute to Troy Polamalu, WOW! Thank you for putting this together, no surprise he is hall of fame 1 time out.
I think it is time to make a, "How Good Was Tom Brady Actually?" might take 2 parts but i'd love to see it.
Answer: Meh. But he got the job done.
Overrated
Great video
TROY IS THE GOAT Pro Safety!! He made the P games exciting and powerful! He acted right and was a Star that will forever shine!
Great, great, player! I miss those games with Troy flying around the field.
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.
I’m no Steelers fan whatsoever but seeing his long hair everywhere around the field making plays made him one of my favorite nfl players of all time