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5 Reasons Why Troy Polamalu Should Retire From the NFL

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5 Reasons Why Troy Polamalu Should Retire From the NFL

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After the Pittsburgh Steelers' loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night, many questions arose about the team and the players. One player in particular who was questioned about his future was Troy Polamalu. The veteran safety said it was fair to ask if he would consider retirement, but he said it was something he hadn't thought about. When he does think about it and makes a decision, Polamalu should decide to hang up his cleats.

5. Deteriorating Skills

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5. Deteriorating Skills

Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers
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Polamalu's on-field play came under scrutiny late in the season when many fans and experts said the Steelers should consider not starting Polamalu despite him being healthy. The claim said that the defense was better without the veteran and it may have been true. Polamalu has lost speed and has not produced a splash play in a long time. With his skill deteriorating with age, he can't play effectively and should consider hanging up his pads.

4. He Would Lose His Starting Spot

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4. He Would Lose His Starting Spot

Shamarko Thomas Pittsburgh Steelers
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Another reason that Polamalu may want to consider ending his career is the fact that he would not have a guaranteed starting spot next season. Shamarko Thomas will be entering his third NFL season, and he has been tabbed as Polamalu's replacement. He needs a chance to play, and if he doesn't get it, a safety will likely be drafted early by the Steelers in the 2015 NFL Draft. Polamalu will want to play, so if he can't, he might as well retire.

3. Lack of Free Agency Interest

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3. Lack of Free Agency Interest

Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers
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If Polamalu does decide that he wants to play football next season, it is likely that the Steelers would cut him in order to save cap space. That would make Polamalu a free agent, and he would have to garner interest from other teams. Many former Steelers have tried this strategy before and it has not worked in their favor. No one wants an aging, injury-prone safety on their roster, and he would be forced to retire due to lack of interest.

2. Injuries

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2. Injuries

Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers
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One big factor that Polamalu will have to consider when he makes his decision is his health. Polamalu has rarely been able to finish an entire season without suffering an injury that holds him out of action. With all of the news coming out about the effects of concussions on players, Polamalu may want to make sure he leaves the NFL with his body intact. He may want to play next year, but his body may not be able to go through another season.

1. Respect from Fans

Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers
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1. Respect from Fans

Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh Steelers
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One of the most important things to Troy Polamalu is the love he has received from Pittsburgh fans. He loves the city and is thankful he is held in such high esteem. He will want to keep that respect from fans, and the only way to do that is to retire as a Steeler. Players like Alan Faneca and Joey Porter lost respect by joining other teams late in their careers. Polamalu should avoid that and retire as one of the greatest Steelers ever.

Justin Broyles is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @Tweets_ByJ, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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