Posted on 01/20/2006 10:31:23 AM PST by beyond the sea
Reporters and cameramen surround Troy Polamalu in the visitors' locker room at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. You lean in to try to hear what the Pittsburgh Steelers safety has to say, but it's fruitless. Polamalu barely speaks above a whisper. And you think: This is the guy who terrorized Peyton Manning?
Another anecdote, from a few years back: Polamalu asks USC teammate Alex Holmes for permission to take out his sister, Theodora. Holmes wouldn't let anyone else on the team talk to Theodora, let alone date her. But he tells Polamalu, ``Of course. Nothing could make me happier.''
Holmes accedes because Polamalu ``is such an exceptional person.'' You hear this and think: This is the guy who gives offensive coordinators nightmares?
Polamalu is indeed that guy. Soft-spoken off the field, teeth-rattling hitter on it. Mild-mannered, generous person, maniacal, intimidating player.
In many ways, Polamalu embodies the defense for which he toils: The first-glance perception and the reality are separate entities. The Denver Broncos must contend with both in the AFC championship game Sunday. It's no easy task.
Polamalu's bedevilment of the Colts included seven tackles, two pass breakups and three near-interceptions. The previous week, in a victory over Cincinnati, he had six tackles, a half-sack and an interception no replay review could reverse.
``That's becoming normal for him, to be pretty much the most dominant player on the field,'' said Holmes, who not only became Polamalu's brother-in-law but also plays tight end for the Miami Dolphins. ``That's a crazy thing to say in the NFL.''
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
"From a Cleveland Browns fan...GO BRONCOS"
Boo Hoo! Boo hoo hoo.
Talk about a sore loser.
Cleveland got stuffed.
Denver's next!
"From a Cleveland Browns fan...GO BRONCOS"
Boo Hoo! Boo hoo hoo.
Talk about a sore loser.
Cleveland got stuffed.
Denver's next!
I don't think he did it on purpose.
" My son was a fierce linebacker in college. The move was done to perfection, he says."
This is not my comment.
Mine is:
"I don't think Kimo did it on purpose. But, you never know. I've taken out a player or two myself. :)"
I have never ended anyones game, let alone season. But, I have gone after guys who've leg whipped me or chop blocked me or gone straight for the knees (thankfully I wore leg braces) Only after fair warning and no calls by the refs though.
yea, hes superman.. give me a break. hes no Ronnie Lott.
Yes, the history of the Seahawks is weak. How many years have the buzzards made the playoffs? Steelers made the title game last year and this year, as far as current history. Big Ben has won about 25 games and lost 4 or 5 and he is only in his second year. Better than Elway, Marino, Unitas, Star, Montana, even the Blond Bomber and everyone else who has ever played that game. That is some more current history for you. He has led his team to the AFC championship game as a rookie. Who else ever did that?
When it comes to fighting a war of words, you don't have a lot of ammunition, do you? Hope your team gets crunched good by the Panthers. Love that name.
Good to hear.
As a Steeler fan, I just hope for a well officiated game, no flukie lucky plays, and no injuries. I guess that's asking a lot, but if that happens the Steelers should win. The Steelers ran over these Denver defensive linemen like roadkill when they were at Cleveland.
Steelers by 6 or more is my guess.
He's Superman ................... with a lot of hair.
From a Steeles fan,browns suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
¡ Go Broncos !
that probably wouldn't hurt much.
He would know about it, but if you are playing the game, you have other things to worry about than Polamalu's hair....
That's Arizona, not Florida.
Go Stillers. I'm gonna drink lots of Rolling Rock (Iron City is nearly impossible to come by on the West Coast at a retail store)
I would like to have them win a game without it coming down to the last play or even last series.
Not Superman ... Samson.
SD
It's nice to see a guy these days who actually looks after his sister.
How intelligent.
I think you'll get your wish, unless there are fluke plays like weird tipped passes, fluke fumbles, or more terrible officiating.
The Steelers are going to have a little fun beating up on more horses for the second week in a row.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.