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 ...
That would make my year to see them win convincingly. We've been so close for so many years. Not as close as the Bills of the 90's, but, that's another thread. LOL
Look for my reply on Monday.
After the Hawks and Broncos advance.
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.''
That's a very nice part of the article. From the one time I met him and from all the other interviews I've seen of Troy over the time he's been here in Pittsburgh, he's a gem of a human being........... a real beautiful and gentle spirit!
And he's right, but not altogether. Even without the hair, he'd be easy to identify on the field because of the way he moves. That feline balletic grace is his hallmark. Can't call him a lion or tiger for legal reasons, but he is. He's like watching some National Geographic special.
There is a first time for everything. Maybe it is the buzzards turn. Maybe not. We'll see, won't we?
I brought my Terrible Towel with me from Pittsburgh when I moved here years ago. It seems, you can always find a group of Steeler fans wherever you go. Connecticut was no exception. Steeler fans are everywhere!
As a resident of liberal Seattle, I must root for Carolina for political reasons. Red staters rule!
Using that criteria, we would all be Cowboy or Falcons fans. LOL
It's kind of a red state sport, where ever it's played.
You mean I couold go down to the stadium and be surrounded by Pubbies? Wow!
and Steeler haters are everywhere too. Really... fans get tired of seeing the same playoff teams, year after year. Like, is anybody (except people from those states) upset that Green Bay or Buffalo, or New England are out of the playoffs?! I don't think so! eh
Go Steelers...all the way.
go Steelers...fall by the way!
Go Steelers...all the way.
go Steelers...fall by the way!
When big Ben and the Bus kick horse
I wonder what it is you'll say!
Our hate decreased somewhat after 7 retired.
I dont know. On the other hand,, I guess Pittsburgh reping the AFC in the super bowl wouldnt be that bad.. Bill Cowher was once a Cleveland Brown you know ? ..
Polamulu does not equal Champ Bailey and John Lynch
He doesn't equal Eugene Wilson
Agreed.
Do you have a Dunhams nearby?
They still had a nice selection Wednesday evening.
Nobody but you is comparing him to anybody.
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