April 10, 2015
Troy Polamalu Retires
Three years ago today, legendary safety Troy Polamalu retired. Here is a look back at some of the best plays in his career.
Steelers at Cleveland Browns
November 24, 2013
FirstEnergy Stadium
Steelers 27, Browns 11
The two forced fumbles were a single-game career high, giving him three for the season.
His first forced fumble, which he also recovered, came with under two minutes remaining in the first half and led to a field goal that gave the Steelers a 13-3 lead heading into halftime.
“It was a great play from Polamalu, it looked like to me on the replay,” said Browns Coach Rob Chudzinski after the game. “We just have to protect it in those situations. I thought that we had something going on that drive there right before the half. Obviously, that turnover and they were able to get a field goal out of that. It was a complete swing in the game.”
Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
December 12, 2010
Heinz Field
Steelers 23, Bengals 7
Polamalu got the Steelers on the board when he intercepted his former college roommate Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 in the second quarter.
“Troy had a tremendous break on the play,” said Tomlin. “Whether or not he was baiting Carson is debatable. It was a route that he was familiar with. I think TO (Terrell Owens) was the intended receiver, and may have tripped or stumbled coming out of his break. I think that provided the necessary grass that Troy needed to come down hill on the ball and make the play. But no question, Troy was in great position and he had a great break on the ball.”
As had been the case in recent games Polamalu also helped to seal the win with another big play when he intercepted Palmer at the goal line as the Bengals were driving late in the game, returning it to the 12-yard line.
Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
December 5, 2010
M&T Bank Stadium
Steelers 13, Ravens 10
Another key AFC North game, and another great performance by Polamalu. Polamalu was named the AFC
Polamalu came up big for the Steelers when he sacked Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, stripping the ball free. LaMarr Woodley recovered and returned it to the nine-yard line with 3:13 on the clock and the Steelers trailing 10-6. The offense took advantage when 
“Troy’s a great player,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “A lot of guys would go in there and sack the quarterback. He sees the game a little differently, that’s what makes him special. He got the ball out, unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the ball in the end zone, but our offense finished the job for us.”
Polamalu finished the game with five tackles, a sack, forced fumble, and two quarterback hurries.
“That’s what Troy does,” said running back Rashard Mendenhall after the game. “He always comes through with great plays at the right time. The defense was playing hard and tough all day. We came with pressure, and it was a matter of time before we got a turnover, and we did. We were able to get the ball and we had to put points on the board at that point.”
Steelers at Tennessee Titans
September 19, 2010
LP Field
Steelers 19, Titans 11
It’s a bird, it’s a plane. Nope, it’s just Troy.
The defense held Titans star running back Chris Johnson to just 34 yards, and the Titans only time in the end zone was on a late touchdown with just 58 seconds to play.
“Against somebody like that you really have to be disciplined,” said Polamalu. “And, even when you’re in your gap, you still have to make a tackle. He is such a great running back, one gap short, you know, you saw what could have happened.”
One of the defining plays of the game came when Polamalu perfectly timed the snap by Titans quarterback Kerry Collins and went airborne to sacks Collins.
Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
AFC Championship Game
January 18, 2009
Heinz Field
Steelers 23, Ravens 14
When the Steelers needed him the most, Polamalu came through big. With a trip to Super Bowl XLV on the line, Polamalu had five tackles, four of them solo stops and two passes defensed.
The key play was
On third-and-13 from the Ravens’ 29-yard line, Polamalu intercepted Flacco and at the 40-yard line and took it all the way back for a 40-yard touchdown and 23-14 Steelers lead, which would secure the win and a trip to the Super Bowl.
Earlier in the same game, Polamalu was also Flacco’s biggest foe. The Ravens were going for it on fourth-and-one from the Steelers’ 34-yard line. Polamalu fought his way over the pile and stopped any forward progress by Flacco, forcing the Ravens to turn the ball over on downs.
Steelers vs. San Diego Chargers
November 16, 2008
Heinz Field
Steelers 11, Chargers 10
Steelers at Cleveland Browns
November 19, 2006
Cleveland Browns Stadium
Steelers 24, Browns 20
The Browns had the ball and on first down he sacked quarterback Charlie Frye. On second down he tackled Jason Wright and on third down recorded a pass defense on a pass intended for Kellen Winslow. The Browns punted, and the Steelers scored and won.
October 3, 2004
Heinz Field
Steelers 28, Bengals 17
Polamalu scored the first touchdown of his NFL career when he intercepted Carson Palmer and had a dramatic 26-yard return for a touchdown, eluding would be tacklers en route to the end zone.
