Troy Polamalu spent his entire NFL career with one team, and by the time he was done, the Pittsburgh Steelers had built much of their defensive identity around him. Drafted 16th overall in 2003, Polamalu became known for his instinctive playmaking, trademark flowing hair, and a hard-hitting style that earned him the nickname "the Tasmanian Devil" from teammates. He retired in 2015 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, his first year of eligibility.
Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Troy Aumua Polamalu (born Troy Benjamin Aumua) |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Garden Grove, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Position | Safety |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| High School | Douglas High School, Winston, Oregon |
| College | University of Southern California (USC) |
| NFL Draft | 2003, 1st round, 16th overall pick (Pittsburgh Steelers) |
| Team | Pittsburgh Steelers (2003–2014) |
| Career Stats | 783 tackles, 32 interceptions, 12 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 107 passes defensed |
| Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2020; College Football Hall of Fame |
Family Tree
| Relation | Name |
| Mother | Suila Polamalu |
| Spouse | Theodora Holmes (married January 27, 2005) |
| Children | Paisios Polamalu, Ephraim Polamalu |
Career Highlights
- Played his entire 12-year NFL career (2003–2014) with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Helped lead the Steelers to Super Bowl titles in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
- Recorded 783 career tackles, 32 interceptions, and 107 passes defensed over 158 games.
- Named a two-time All-American at USC before entering the NFL.
Awards
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2010)
- Eight-time Pro Bowl selection
- Four-time First-Team All-Pro; two-time Second-Team All-Pro
- NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s
- Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2020
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
