Troy is the most unique defensive player ever. He did so many things that noone else did. His freestyle play was so amazing. Timing snap counts, ridiculous hands, pattern recognition, tackling skills, big hits, never dirty.. And such a great human off the field. One of my favorites ever.
We have to appreciate how close he was to the ball before the snap… he would be right by the linebackers cause that’s how fast he was too😂 I always say he changed the safety position in that aspect cause I would see people like Jamal Adams at the Seahawks do it but once it became a all passing league with dangerous wideouts that got shut down automatically like you can’t do that no more when tyreek is on the opposite side 😂😂
Fun fact: Polamalu was also tapped as emergency running back, so he would occasionally practice with the offense and he also sat in all the offensive meetings. So he knew the offensive and defensive playbooks for the Steelers, and he knew how offenses worked.
I feel like Troy is the greatest versatile safety of all time, had an impact in pass coverage, blitzing, reading play-options and seemingly unbreakable tackling. He really had this incredible instinct and intuition on making a play.
Also the man that tackled desean Jackson with his back. DJax not some 3rd string wr. Was a blessing to watch troy all those years. I miss troy and my boy ike taylor
🙏🙏Blessings forever GOD loves y'all too forever tell everyone you know and don't know. Jesus loves y'all too forever. Teach everyone how to see and enjoy their blessings too forever😊
As a Bengals fan I hate the Steelers, but have always liked Troy. Was a superman on the field and made great shampoo commercials. Listening to him talk he seems like a real good guy
We were so lucky to have a guy like Troy playing for the Steelers! And even playing for as long as he did, so many stories of people running into him around town and was always the quintessential professional. Loves God and Family above all, and the kind of guy every team wants on their roster. We miss you Troy!
Ryan Clark was a fantastic complementary piece to have with Troy though. Ryan Clark had absolutely NO REGARD for his own health and (pun intended) safety. He would throw his whole body into a tackle, FULL FORCE🤣🤣. But have Ed Reed with Troy would've been TERRIFYING.
Ryan Clark doesnt get the credit he deserves for Troy's success. Troy was able to do what he did, because Ryan Clark was so smart and so good at what he did as a stay at home safety
Watching that Bal / Pit rivalry with Troy on 1 defense and Reed on the other were second to none. 2 completely different styles and 2 completely amazing players.
There is a story that Big Ben and James Harrison tell about a game against the Chargers where Troy snapped during a game and the defense was like OHHH YEAHHHH it’s over for y’all now if Troy is talking 😂😂 Troy was 1 of 1. I have so many fond memories of watching him growing up on Sundays, truly miss watching him play. I would kill to see him play with the likes of Cam and TJ on the same defense together
Because Ryan Clark was such a sledgehammer free safety Troy could roam the field and he lined up at every single other position. Yeah we love Troy in Pittsburgh like Mario Lemieux and Joe Greene
🙏🙏Blessings forever GOD loves y'all too forever tell everyone you know and don't know. Jesus loves y'all too forever. Teach everyone how to see and enjoy their blessings too forever😊
@@semajalitam3702 That's true about his style and ability throughout high school and college. But, to get away with that in the speed of the NFL, you need a great strong safety to have your back. And RC was one of the best. It was so fun to watch that tandem at work.
"You watch him on film and he plays like his hair is on fire, and he's got a lot of hair, so that's a lot of fire." ~Mark Sanchez Describing Troy Polamalu
🙏🙏Blessings forever GOD loves y'all too forever tell everyone you know and don't know. Jesus loves y'all too forever. Teach everyone how to see and enjoy their blessings too forever😊❤
You guys should put together a list of the most uniquely talented, once in a generation athletes at every position in NFL history. I would have Troy Polamalu at safety due to his unique sense of space and where to be to disrupt plays as well as 4.3 speed and huge hitting/textbook tackling as well as unbelievable ball tracking skills and hands. Athletically and mentally unique. There will never be another Troy. At running back I put Barry Sanders and at wide receiver I put Randy Moss for obvious reasons. I have to say that Gronk may very well get that TE nod.
All I know is I'm glad I wasn't a receiver in the AFC north during the reign of Troy and Ed Reed. Those two were SO fun to watch, you never wanted to miss a play because something crazy could happen at any time
What made Troy unique was that he was super smart and athletically gifted, but also he was trusted to go wherever he saw the opportunity to blow up a play. Most of his INTs aren't amazing coverage, they happen because he read the QB and changed his coverage to go get the ball. Most of his bit blitzes are where he has the option to blitz or drop, and he reads it perfectly to destroy a play.
The top 10 toughest players in the NFL AFC North Division in the early 2000s were #1 Ray Lewis, #2 and #3 Troy Polomalu and Ed Reed, #4 Jamal Lewis, #5 Hines Ward, #6 Terrell Suggs, #7 James Harrison, #8 Joey Porter, #9 Jerome Bettis, and #10 Ben Rothlisburger
Story time about Troy from pov of a local yinzer; was about the year or so before he’d eventually retire and I was in college. I remember leaving class walking downtown Pittsburgh and seen Troy and his wife get out of a limo for a banquet at an event here and they were just….it was almost biblical to see their aura. No one approached him, everyone respected him, and his lovely wife. I caught myself for a moment staring slack jawed cuz growing up as a millennial in Pittsburgh, Troy was like our proof that God is real lol. So he caught me staring for that brief second and waved at me n smiled. I waved back n just half heartedly said “hey Troy.” N he just smiled n said “hey man.” N I kept on walking. I will never forget that day. Troy is different. He just is.
Respect for Troy but the toughest player I’ve ever seen suit up for the Steelers was Big Big. He took hits that put other cats on reserve or out for season. I’ll never forget him breaking his nose and still playing and finishing a game. Didn’t he also like break his face in a motorcycle wreck in the off-season, only to play a seasons worth of games 2 months later.
Gronk and Jules inspired me to throw together an all Samoan NFL team. What tweaks should I make in my starting line up? Offense Quarterback (QB): Marcus Mariota (Hawaiian) Running Back (RB): Vai Sikahema (Tongan) Fullback (FB): Stanley Havili (Samoan) Wide Receiver (WR1): JuJu Smith-Schuster (Samoan) Wide Receiver (WR2): Kolby Listenbee (Samoan) Tight End (TE): Tevita Finau (Tongan) Left Tackle (LT): Jesse Sapolu (Samoan) Left Guard (LG): Mike Iupati (Samoan) Center (C): Kevin Mawae (Hawaiian/Samoan)* (Hall of Famer) Right Guard (RG): Isaac Sopoaga (Samoan) Right Tackle (RT): Penei Sewell (Tongan) Defense Defensive End (DE1): Manu Tuiasosopo (Samoan) Defensive Tackle (DT1): Haloti Ngata (Tongan) Defensive Tackle (DT2): Star Lotulelei (Tongan) Defensive End (DE2): Stephen Paea (Tongan) Outside Linebacker (OLB1): Junior Seau (Samoan)* (Hall of Famer) Middle Linebacker (MLB): Rey Maualuga (Samoan) Outside Linebacker (OLB2): Manti Te’o (Samoan) Cornerback (CB1): Troy Brown (part Polynesian) Cornerback (CB2): Kai Nacua (Samoan) Free Safety (FS): Troy Polamalu (Samoan)* (Hall of Famer) Strong Safety (SS): Talanoa Hufanga (Samoan) Gotta love the diversity of the NFL.
@@billfitzpatrick209 He does have one of the most iconic returns in NFL history vs the Giants where he goes full Body Blow on the goal post padding. #Classic.
He was a force unto himself. As a Panthers fan I wish our GM would try to find someone of that caliber in the upcoming draft. As a matter of fact I wish they could draft every pacific islander for our defense. Those some tough dudes. We lost LuVu so we need to upgrade for sure.
That "generation" of football had 3 of the best safeties in it. Reed, Polamalu, and Dawkins, they could do it all. If it weren't for injuries, my guy Bob Sanders would have been on that list as well.
He was a plug. He was a denier. He didn't need accolades. 92 will cover my misses on runs. RC will hammer any opponent I allow past me. I got Dick LeBeau in my back pocket asking me why I chose this assignment. Because I am here for you. There is no higher calling.
I think I saw a fact where the average Samoan (assuming this applies to all Polynesian’s) that they carry 11% more muscle naturally. They are built different
Troy is the most unique defensive player ever. He did so many things that noone else did. His freestyle play was so amazing. Timing snap counts, ridiculous hands, pattern recognition, tackling skills, big hits, never dirty.. And such a great human off the field. One of my favorites ever.
"Unique" is the absolute best word to describe Troy. He played football like an improv musician
We have to appreciate how close he was to the ball before the snap… he would be right by the linebackers cause that’s how fast he was too😂 I always say he changed the safety position in that aspect cause I would see people like Jamal Adams at the Seahawks do it but once it became a all passing league with dangerous wideouts that got shut down automatically like you can’t do that no more when tyreek is on the opposite side 😂😂
Lining up in the C Gap.
Agreed 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
He definitely seems like a GREAT MAN 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾/ Human
Fun fact: Polamalu was also tapped as emergency running back, so he would occasionally practice with the offense and he also sat in all the offensive meetings. So he knew the offensive and defensive playbooks for the Steelers, and he knew how offenses worked.
He would of ran that rock like a pitbull on amphetamines 😂😂
Fun fact Antwaan Randle El. Played Quarterback in college and destroyed the Seattle Seahawks in the Superbowl.
I literally own a Randle El shirt because of that TD pass.
@lostalone9320 Hellyeah, I have a painting with Big Ben and all them.
Followed those teams really close, never knew Troy was ever an emergency running back.
Jesse James caught that ball!!
Damn why you have to bring that horrible day up?
This still haunts me 😭
Absolutely. Worst call in history
Ugh damn
He did catch it. But his knee was down before the ball crossed the line
Polamalu played like he had a Third eye. He was truly a ghost on the field you wouldn't see him until it was too late. Incredible player.
I feel like Troy is the greatest versatile safety of all time, had an impact in pass coverage, blitzing, reading play-options and seemingly unbreakable tackling. He really had this incredible instinct and intuition on making a play.
Also the man that tackled desean Jackson with his back. DJax not some 3rd string wr. Was a blessing to watch troy all those years. I miss troy and my boy ike taylor
It was a sad day when he retired. He was great.
Yes it was... worst day ever for true Steeler fans...
Love to all my Usos. Best people to have in your corner!
🙏🙏Blessings forever GOD loves y'all too forever tell everyone you know and don't know. Jesus loves y'all too forever. Teach everyone how to see and enjoy their blessings too forever😊
Alday uso❤ love and blessings and merry Xmas here from Auckland ,New Zealand ❤ 685 always in all ways uso
A serious STEELERS FAN!, HE'S my favorite! I miss him playing and how humble, kind, and a fast Samoan warrior HE is!
As a Bengals fan I hate the Steelers, but have always liked Troy. Was a superman on the field and made great shampoo commercials. Listening to him talk he seems like a real good guy
Bay area native here. Born and Raised in the bay and a steelers fan since day one. Shout out to the bay area steelers nation!
Right outside the Bay area here and also a long time Steelers fan. I love my Troy Polamalu jersey and my usos homies
Black and Yellow! My father shared his 1979 Superbowl winnings with me. I was 8 years old, instant Steelers fan for life.
@@Durin_Son you been to fats bar and grill in Stockton ? Steelers bar
@bayarearob I sure have. I lived in Lathrop for a while
We were so lucky to have a guy like Troy playing for the Steelers! And even playing for as long as he did, so many stories of people running into him around town and was always the quintessential professional. Loves God and Family above all, and the kind of guy every team wants on their roster. We miss you Troy!
Imagine, if you will, a Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed safety tandem....
As a Steelers fan always traded reed to pit picks all fucking day 💯😂
Good Lord 😂
I have fantasized about that backfield.
Nothing is getting past the 50 if those two are in the same secondary.
Ryan Clark was a fantastic complementary piece to have with Troy though. Ryan Clark had absolutely NO REGARD for his own health and (pun intended) safety. He would throw his whole body into a tackle, FULL FORCE🤣🤣. But have Ed Reed with Troy would've been TERRIFYING.
Ryan Clark doesnt get the credit he deserves for Troy's success. Troy was able to do what he did, because Ryan Clark was so smart and so good at what he did as a stay at home safety
That pic of Polamalu on Gronk’s back is hilarious
😂😂 facts
Polamalu was so freaking clutch.
3rd downs and at the end of games, he always came through super clutch with a big play! 😎👍
Watching that Bal / Pit rivalry with Troy on 1 defense and Reed on the other were second to none. 2 completely different styles and 2 completely amazing players.
Troy covered both of you single handedly
There is a story that Big Ben and James Harrison tell about a game against the Chargers where Troy snapped during a game and the defense was like OHHH YEAHHHH it’s over for y’all now if Troy is talking 😂😂 Troy was 1 of 1. I have so many fond memories of watching him growing up on Sundays, truly miss watching him play. I would kill to see him play with the likes of Cam and TJ on the same defense together
Because Ryan Clark was such a sledgehammer free safety Troy could roam the field and he lined up at every single other position. Yeah we love Troy in Pittsburgh like Mario Lemieux and Joe Greene
🙏🙏Blessings forever GOD loves y'all too forever tell everyone you know and don't know. Jesus loves y'all too forever. Teach everyone how to see and enjoy their blessings too forever😊
Nahh..troy has played like this since high school and USC..RC had nothing to do with Troy's innate abilities to play this game..
@@semajalitam3702 That's true about his style and ability throughout high school and college. But, to get away with that in the speed of the NFL, you need a great strong safety to have your back. And RC was one of the best. It was so fun to watch that tandem at work.
Bro, RC's hit on Willis McGahee is still one of my top five hits of all time.
yes, finally someone gets it. Ryan Clark being so good at what he did, gave Troy the freedom to do what he did.
Troy was a cerebral assassin.
I still don’t think we’ve seen anything like it since he retired. He covered a lot of space.
We will likely never see anything like Troy again. Literally broke the mold
I grew up in the bay, your not lying… junior Seau jerseys were on every Polynesians in high school
He timed a play vs the Ravens he jumped over the Oline and sacked Flacco right as he got it in his hand his timing was the best. He was a monster
Just love how all dudes collectively love and respect Polamalu
"You watch him on film and he plays like his hair is on fire, and he's got a lot of hair, so that's a lot of fire."
~Mark Sanchez Describing Troy Polamalu
Pat McAfee doesn’t like him for breaking up his fake punt play haha
In the c gap 😂
The Bradshaw shirt..hell yes!
J is legit a Cali Boi there's so many Pollies in Cali the are also part of the culture ✌🏾🖤💛 #HereWeGo
troy was definitely the toughest and best defensive player on the field while he played
Gronk, I appreciate you and the way you openly challenge yourself and the progress your making . Deep thoughts and well spoken. Well deep enough
🙏🙏Blessings forever GOD loves y'all too forever tell everyone you know and don't know. Jesus loves y'all too forever. Teach everyone how to see and enjoy their blessings too forever😊❤
My dude, we all love Gronk, Gronk is good people, but he ain't that deep.
Is this a bot
Troy was my hero growing up as a Steelers fan….absolute privilege too watch 43 on defense
I'm a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan but I've always liked both these guys.their honestly some of the realest dudes ever . respect
As a poly (Hawaiian) Troy was our Guy. We go full support for any islander that makes it, no matter what industry.
Troys greatest attribute was making you think there were 3 of him on the field
You guys should put together a list of the most uniquely talented, once in a generation athletes at every position in NFL history. I would have Troy Polamalu at safety due to his unique sense of space and where to be to disrupt plays as well as 4.3 speed and huge hitting/textbook tackling as well as unbelievable ball tracking skills and hands. Athletically and mentally unique. There will never be another Troy. At running back I put Barry Sanders and at wide receiver I put Randy Moss for obvious reasons. I have to say that Gronk may very well get that TE nod.
All I know is I'm glad I wasn't a receiver in the AFC north during the reign of Troy and Ed Reed. Those two were SO fun to watch, you never wanted to miss a play because something crazy could happen at any time
Randy Moss is the only player to become a verb. everyone knows what "You got Moss'd " means
What made Troy unique was that he was super smart and athletically gifted, but also he was trusted to go wherever he saw the opportunity to blow up a play.
Most of his INTs aren't amazing coverage, they happen because he read the QB and changed his coverage to go get the ball. Most of his bit blitzes are where he has the option to blitz or drop, and he reads it perfectly to destroy a play.
Shoutout Jules for recognizing our Poly people. 💯🙏🏽 a lot of folks on the east coast til this day have no clue who we are.
Gronk vs troy pomalu greatest matchup ever 🖤💛🏈
The Steelers & their fans were blessed to have had Troy on the team.
Yall need that Rod Woodson pointing at his knee in SB XXX over Michael Irvin picture on that shelf next to Deion and Rice
Troy the myth the legend
Ray Lewis was always on the ball too, his awareness was insane. When he got old with skinny legs & top heavy he was still on the ball.
Bad ass dude. My favorite defensive player without a doubt ever.
Rob its like you are right there again! BOUYAH!
The podcast I didn’t know I needed 💪🏾💪🏾
“Out of the wound” is so gaddamn unintentionally hilarious
Greatest safety of all time!
The top 10 toughest players in the NFL AFC North Division in the early 2000s were #1 Ray Lewis, #2 and #3 Troy Polomalu and Ed Reed, #4 Jamal Lewis, #5 Hines Ward, #6 Terrell Suggs, #7 James Harrison, #8 Joey Porter, #9 Jerome Bettis, and #10 Ben Rothlisburger
You guys are funny😂 cracking me up over here. You’re right about Troy, though. He was a bad ass on the field. You two were too.
Troy's the greatest football player I've ever seen.
You didn’t own the north but you did own a camera!🖤💛🏈✌️
Gronk too Troy 4 a ride. What a friggin stud.
Story time about Troy from pov of a local yinzer; was about the year or so before he’d eventually retire and I was in college. I remember leaving class walking downtown Pittsburgh and seen Troy and his wife get out of a limo for a banquet at an event here and they were just….it was almost biblical to see their aura. No one approached him, everyone respected him, and his lovely wife. I caught myself for a moment staring slack jawed cuz growing up as a millennial in Pittsburgh, Troy was like our proof that God is real lol. So he caught me staring for that brief second and waved at me n smiled. I waved back n just half heartedly said “hey Troy.” N he just smiled n said “hey man.” N I kept on walking. I will never forget that day. Troy is different. He just is.
That's right Troy was an awesome player.
Respect for Troy but the toughest player I’ve ever seen suit up for the Steelers was Big Big. He took hits that put other cats on reserve or out for season. I’ll never forget him breaking his nose and still playing and finishing a game. Didn’t he also like break his face in a motorcycle wreck in the off-season, only to play a seasons worth of games 2 months later.
Respect for the shout out to the Coconuts! Malie!
Best overall Safety ever. Reed 1B. Lott 1B
I had the privilege of going to my first Steelers game in Atlanta and it just so happened to be his last. #myfavoriteSteeler
“Owned them all” when the guys highlighted were post prime
Troy was the Chuck Norris of NFL safety’s, Gronk is the Simple Jack of tight ends….reading a google print…Cmon man.
Watching Troy you would think there’s no other safety that’s better than this , than you see Ed Reed
Gronk and Jules inspired me to throw together an all Samoan NFL team. What tweaks should I make in my starting line up?
Offense
Quarterback (QB): Marcus Mariota (Hawaiian)
Running Back (RB): Vai Sikahema (Tongan)
Fullback (FB): Stanley Havili (Samoan)
Wide Receiver (WR1): JuJu Smith-Schuster (Samoan)
Wide Receiver (WR2): Kolby Listenbee (Samoan)
Tight End (TE): Tevita Finau (Tongan)
Left Tackle (LT): Jesse Sapolu (Samoan)
Left Guard (LG): Mike Iupati (Samoan)
Center (C): Kevin Mawae (Hawaiian/Samoan)* (Hall of Famer)
Right Guard (RG): Isaac Sopoaga (Samoan)
Right Tackle (RT): Penei Sewell (Tongan)
Defense
Defensive End (DE1): Manu Tuiasosopo (Samoan)
Defensive Tackle (DT1): Haloti Ngata (Tongan)
Defensive Tackle (DT2): Star Lotulelei (Tongan)
Defensive End (DE2): Stephen Paea (Tongan)
Outside Linebacker (OLB1): Junior Seau (Samoan)* (Hall of Famer)
Middle Linebacker (MLB): Rey Maualuga (Samoan)
Outside Linebacker (OLB2): Manti Te’o (Samoan)
Cornerback (CB1): Troy Brown (part Polynesian)
Cornerback (CB2): Kai Nacua (Samoan)
Free Safety (FS): Troy Polamalu (Samoan)* (Hall of Famer)
Strong Safety (SS): Talanoa Hufanga (Samoan)
Gotta love the diversity of the NFL.
I think I would move Sikahema to return man, and replace him at RB with Mosi Tatupu. I'd also think about Domata Peko at DT.
@@billfitzpatrick209 He does have one of the most iconic returns in NFL history vs the Giants where he goes full Body Blow on the goal post padding. #Classic.
Masoli is Samoan
i was at that game when gronk had the hat trick. Wild.
He was a force unto himself. As a Panthers fan I wish our GM would try to find someone of that caliber in the upcoming draft. As a matter of fact I wish they could draft every pacific islander for our defense. Those some tough dudes. We lost LuVu so we need to upgrade for sure.
Gronk is still the GREATEST TE of ALL-TIME 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
who broke your 21 game winning streak? THE STEELERS!!!!!
Congrats Uso 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Troy's roomate in college was none other than Carson Palmer.
Us Cincinnati Bengal fans didn't love Polamalu, to answer Gronk's question.
That "generation" of football had 3 of the best safeties in it. Reed, Polamalu, and Dawkins, they could do it all. If it weren't for injuries, my guy Bob Sanders would have been on that list as well.
It's Brian Dawkins, Troy Polamalu, Sean Taylor (R.I.E.) and Ed Reed. Top 4 to me.
"Strong out of the wound." 😅 Oh, Gronk
didnt know they had a lax helmet behind julian on the shelf, super wow
43 was great but if you’re talking tough guy it has to be Harrison.
Let gronk talk all the time i love it
Hey dudes show some short clips of the players in action it will bring it home appreciate it!
He was a plug. He was a denier. He didn't need accolades. 92 will cover my misses on runs. RC will hammer any opponent I allow past me. I got Dick LeBeau in my back pocket asking me why I chose this assignment. Because I am here for you. There is no higher calling.
That’s us Polynesian we bigger but we humble but don’t poke it🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸
As much as I love Troy id have to hand toughest player in the AFC North division to Big Ben. Guy played with his nose on the side of his face one time
And then they had Hines Ward on the other side of the ball.
Troy is my ALL time favorite Steeler. ❤
Troy is on the Mount Rushmore for NFL hairdos
For the longest time I thought he was a linebacker.
Seems fitting yall got a Chanel called dudes on dudes lmao
Garden Grove, CA product Holy yeah.
💯💥💥💥Yes Troy was the toughest!
Is it just me or did Bill and Ted reincarnate into these two?
I think I saw a fact where the average Samoan (assuming this applies to all Polynesian’s) that they carry 11% more muscle naturally. They are built different
I love the title!!!!
Legend!
What's up guys/dudes. He also took McAfee touchdown away. Me and my wife named him scrapping. We couldn't pronounce his name from USC.,.
Gronk, is hella cool💯
Gronk reading off the sheet to prove he can.
THE FLYIN HAWAIIAN ❤❤❤❤❤
At times he would appear to be twice as fast as the other players.
Next talk about Ryan Clark
Always wished Troy was a Patriot with Rodney or Lawyer
Gronk..."just a wizard."..lol..A Wizard
Ed reed AFC North. Patrick Chung AFC East. AFC South Kareem Jackson. AFC West Marcus Peters
Gronk is the best Tight End ever. And that's saying sum. You have Sharpe,Gonzalez,Kelce,Newsome, Ditka and Gates. Woooo that's a lot