Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have the daunting task of replacing defensive backs Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor this year, which will not come easy when considering they are two of the more successful defensive players in the history of the franchise. Even though Taylor stated he intends to play at least two more seasons, he decided to continue his special bond with Polamalu by following his former teammate into retirement.
The 34-year-old did not believe returning to Pittsburgh was a realistic possibility. However, he still wanted to play a few more seasons in the NFL before hanging up his cleats. The Tennessee Titans appeared to be the most likely landing spot for him to wrap up his stellar career.
Then, the inevitable happened.
Because Taylor and Polamalu entered the league together in 2004, Taylor thought it was only fitting he would walk into the sunset with his close friend.
“That is how we rock,” Taylor said, according to the Steelers official website. “We came in, we are leaving together. That is my loyalty to that man. I said once Troy does his, I will decide. That is what I owe to Troy.”
It is a unique relationship between two men who have accomplished so much together over the past decade. Clearly, Polamalu was frequently seen in the spotlight, rightfully so, but Taylor was the quiet threat that was necessary for the Steelers to have continued success. The result was three AFC championships and victories in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
Taylor wants to point out that he is going out on his own terms. He could have easily signed a contract with another team and continued playing, but putting on a uniform that did not contain black and gold simply did not seem right.
“From the time I walked in the door until the time I left, this is where I wanted to be,” said Taylor. “How the organization is, the locker room, you see why we win. When I became a free agent twice it made my decision easy.
“The Steelers speak for themselves. When you talk about the Steelers, you talk about success. You talk about Pittsburgh, the first thing people talk about is the Steelers. There has been pride since the 1970s and we were able to recreate that pride in the 2000s. We went to three Super Bowls and won two. I thought that was the way it was supposed to be. We were loving each other and having so much fun in that locker room.”
In 174 career games, Taylor recorded 636 tackles, 14 interceptions, three sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 144 defended passes.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
