Troy Polamalu Elected To Pro Football Hall Of Fame

February 3, 2020 2:07 am

MIAMI (AP) — He grew his hair so long, it flowed out of his helmet and obscured the name on the back of his jersey. Didn’t matter. Everyone knew where to find Troy Polamalu on Sundays. The Steelers great earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with another hard-hitting safety, Steve Atwater of Denver. Also voted in Saturday were receiver Isaac Bruce, running back Edgerrin James and guard Steve Hutchinson. Polamalu said he went six or seven years, maybe longer, without cutting his hair during the prime of a career that lasted from 2003-14. But as much as for the hair, he earned the nickname “Tasmanian Devil” for how he changed the way people thought about the safety position. Compact and fleet of foot at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, Polamalu bolted around the field, and made plays from practically anywhere. No quarterback, runner or receiver was safe. Selected in his first year of eligibility, Polamalu was a four-time All-Pro, was voted to eight Pro Bowls and finished with two Super Bowl rings in three trips.