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 ...
How about two near interceptions and one actually interception overturned by an idiot ref.
Putzier ALERT! When Troy goes on his madman dashes at Jake Plummer, beware the consequences of leaving #88 Putzier-Bronco TE on the loose. What a game this will be! GO Broncos!!
Since hair is part of the uniform i'd get into a fight with him on the field and yank a huge handful of it out. :D
I doubt the refs will try to take any interceptions away from him this time. :)
I am definately rooting for the Steelers out of the other Final Four teams. I hope they crush the Broncos.
Polamalu is of the calibre of Singletary and Strahan! Broncos don't have a chance...sorry!
From a Cleveland Browns fan...
GO BRONCOS
Polamulu does not equal Champ Bailey and John Lynch....welcome to Denver! Sorry...Broncos rule!
You would yank out his hair??? You must be really big or have a gun or something, man. That guy would decapitate your head for a trphy
No argument here.
Fight on, Troy!
Polamalu appears to be a class guy. But the Broncos are going to crush the Steelers. Indianapolis was totaly out coached by Pitssburgh. That won't happen in Denver.
"My mother pulled my hair once.....ONCE!"
I'm guessing he must be a Bears fan and wants to hibernate for the rest of the winter because Troy would most definitely knock him into next April.
hair .....................ping
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