Considering how strict the NFL is regarding uniforms and how they're to be worn I'm surprised they haven't established a stricter policy on hair length. Hair sticking out from under a helmet, especially the length Polamalu wears it is a distraction ... if in the course of a tackle he's pulled to the turf by his hair there should be no penalty. Sort of like grabbing a jersey ... if that were the case the hair issue would go away quickly.
I agree with you. Some European hockey leagues have a rule governing hair length; a player's hair can be any length, but it must be tucked in if it is long enough to obscure the name on the back of his jersey.