Troy Polamalu Makes One More Heady Play By Retiring From NFL

#BreakingNews: Troy Polamalu is reportedly retiring from the Steelers http://t.co/sodUjGYuvk pic.twitter.com/kJwj6DYJR3

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 10, 2015

Troy Polamalu will forever be known as a ruthless linebacker in a strong safety’s body. Quarterbacks would often point out the Mike linebacker, but would always be cognizant of Polamalu’s variable place on the field. The 12-year Pittsburgh Steelers safety was not constrained to the definition of the position. Upon retiring on Thursday, this will become Polamalu’s prevailing legacy.

Polamalu only stood 5-foot-10 and carried a sizable 213 pounds on that frame, but it was his motor that mattered. Every play was an opportunity to make a difference and the Flyin’ Hawaiian consistently seized the moment. Polamalu’s case for the Hall of Fame will rest on a few brilliant accolades: Two Super Bowl victories, eight Pro Bowl appearances, and winner of the 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. But it’s the spirit with which Polamalu played that will get yet another Steelers great into Canton based on the eye test alone.

Polamalu matched grit with wit perfectly, anchoring a defense set in the shadows of the Steel Curtain. A career so magnificent, it can’t ever be considered cut short. What should enter consideration though, is Polamalu’s place on Pittsburgh’s Mt. Rushmore of sports. A hypothetical monument of Steelers defensive icons at which Polamalu should be engraved into the backfield and over the broad shoulders of Jack Lambert.

Twelve seasons of success is a body of work sufficient for any icon, and anything more would’ve made the icing on the cake too sweet for consumption. Polamalu now retires a Steeler for life and a Pittsburgh legend for eternity.

Jerry Landry is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Jerry on Twitter at @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on Google.