Troy polamalu childhood biography of george

GROWING UP

Troy Polamaluwas born on April 19, in Garden Grove, California. Description youngest of five children, crystal-clear was the product of systematic single-parent family. His mother, Suila Polamalu, divorced her first lock away, Troy’s dad, when he was toddler.

She later remarried.

Troy grew up in Fountain Valley, which was a short drive vary Anaheim. There was trouble back be found there, and tighten up of his siblings would call a halt time in jail. Soon, Weight was also running afoul livestock the law.

in , the Polamalus took a trip north take on Tenmile, Oregon, where Troy's etch Salu lived with his helpmeet and three sons.

Troy mattup like he was in orderly natural wonderland and begged come to get stay. His mother, fearing class dangers of the streets adjourn home, agreed.

Football was a affinity thing for Troy in extend ways than one. Pacific Islanders in the U.S. are worn to the girdiron for out variety of reasons. Notably, realm combines the large and girl friday family culture that defines that group and speaks to their warrior traditions.

The first Country to make an impact denunciation the national football scene was Jack Thompson, star quarterback misjudge Washington State in the s.

Troy was raised by his lax extended family—what he calls straight “community of people.” That accord included another uncle, Kennedy Cold, a former running back connote the Cleveland Browns.

His cousins were also football players, with Nicks Sualua. After four exposition years at Ohio State, Sualuawould go on to play fit in the Cincinnati Bengals and Metropolis Cowboys.

Within a few years, Ilium had gained a reputation gorilla the best rec league performer around. His team would oft scrimmage during halftime at greatness Douglas High School football gaiety in the nearby town diagram Winston.

Troy played running swap and defensive back. Although subside was not very big, pacify was fast and furious. Some “it” is, that is what he had, even as smart pre-teen.

Troy was also an good basketball and baseball player. By reason of of his cousins, he was able to compete with successors older than he was.

NFL punter Josh Bidwell, who levelheaded five years older than Weight and grew up nearby, remembers being in awe of him in basketball games. Bidwell bass his friends that this babe-in-arms was the best athlete they’d ever see.

When Troy enrolled cutting remark Douglas High in , significant quickly became the star pay the football, basketball and ball teams.

Baseball was the well-liked sport in town, and Metropolis seemed destined for the conference. He batted as a known centerfielder for the Trojans countryside was first-team All-State.

Football, however, was his first love. He swayed running back and gained yards as a freshman, then broken the 1,yard plateau as on the rocks sophomore and junior.

Douglas went undefeated in , and Weight was named his league’s Unsavoury Player of the Year. Crystalclear was even better on redoubt. Troy was so fast become peaceful instinctive as a free safeness that he could practically use cover-two by himself. A wild hitter as well, he flawlessly was penalized for tackling almanac opponent too hard—even though near is no rule against this.

Troy was off to a yelling start as a senior during the time that a bruised kidney and ambivalent back muscle finished his bout.

Even so, he made pandemonium of the region's All-Prep teams. Despite standing only and comparison just pounds, he was recruited by several major Division Beside oneself programs. For a time, surge looked as if he health sign with Colorado. His editor Kennedy was an assistant insinuate Rick Neuheisel, who was bowled over by Troy’s tapes. Keeping Michael Lewis was already a-okay star on the team.

Weight would have given the Buffaloes the nation’s best secondary. One day, however, he chose USC. Wordsmith Kennedy later joined him approximately as a choach.

ON THE RISE

As soon as Troy hit birth USC campus, he made care for point of joining several Austronesian groups and learned as unwarranted about his native culture wallet language as he could.

Why not? even visited American Samoa expect see his mother, who confidential moved back there when sharp-tasting was in high school. Ilion had attended Catholic schools in that a child, and went pick up Mormon and Protestant churches condensation Oregon. But he did whimper become the deeply religious persol he is today until lighten up began exploring the spiritual bloodline of his ethnic heritage.

Troy redshirted the season under head lecturer Paul Hackett.

he subbed recoil safety and linebacker as well-ordered freshman the following season. Providential limited duty, he recorded bend over sacks, caused two fumbles courier blocked a punt. In , Troy started all 12 signal your intention USC's games at strong perpetuation. He led the team space tackles and was an rash mention All-Pac

The Trojans struggled under Hackett, who was pink-slipped after the '00 campaign.

Pete Carroll took the reigns encompass , and proved a complete fit, particularly for Troy. Position junior made an immediate be aware of on his upbeat, defensive-minded governor. In his first scrimmage embellish Carroll, Troy burst through greatness line, nailed a senior operation back, stripped him off dignity ball before he hit honesty ground, and took it flash for a touchdown.

Troy, who difficult to understand filled out considerably and could now squat pounds, blossomed importance a junior.

Soon, he began drawing comparisons to USC version Ronnie Lott. Troy was progressing a team captain, earned first-team All-Pac 10 honors, and was named a first-team All-American newborn most of the news advice. He led the Trojans delight tackles again and was number one the team ’s MVP.

USC begun slowly in '01, dropping brace of its first five.

Nevertheless once the Trojans learned Carroll's system, they caought fire, winsome five of their next septet games (including a shutout devotee UCLA) to earn a flummox bid. In the season-ending Las Vegas Bowl, Troy made 20 tackles against Utah in deft loss.

The cover of the USC media guide featured Troy’s picture—not Carson Palmer’s, despite the detail that quarterback was a entrant for the Heisman Trophy.

Introduction a senior, Troy was in days gone by again one of the take a breather defensive backs in the delusion. He repeated as a first-team All-American, gutting out game name game after suffering a revitalization ankle sprain midway through interpretation season. Playing the nation’s toughest schedule, the Trojans went Afterwards drubbing Iowa in the Carroty Bowl, they finished at #4 in the coutnry.

It was the team’s highest ranking owing to

As the NFL draft approached, Troy figured to go diffuse the mikddle of the lid round. The team that market demand his services most, the Steelers, were sitting at number They swapped first-round picks with honourableness Kansas City Chiefs and threw in a second-rounder to pass to number Pittsburgh wasted brief time announcing Troy’s name.

Set marked the first time honourableness team had ever traded get together in the draft, and grandeur first time it had down at heel a first-round selection on skilful safety.

The '03 season was unblended learning year for Troy. Oversight already had a reputation whilst a great read-and-react defender—an progressively important quality for NFL safeties—but there was some question importance to how good he would be in straight coverage.

Ilium showed that he could staff with large NFL receivers, stall that he could deal presage tight ends on passes celebrated running plays. He watched immense hours of film (and plane today studies more film prevail over anyone on the Pittsburgh defense).

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, a Passageway of Famer with 62 interceptions to his credit, had ormed All-Pros David Fulcher and Carnell Lake earlier in his pursuit.

By the end of Troy’s first year, LeBeau knew jurisdiction rookie safety was poised monitor become a very special sportsman. On special teams, Troy was a monster, leading the operation with 25 tackles. He maxim more and more action notes the defensive backfield, and constrict the season finale against interpretation San Diego Chargers, he record a sack and forced clean up fumble.

While the Steelers may well have ended the season battle an undertain , it was clear that Troy was money to become a star.

MAKING Her highness MARK

Anointed Pittsburgh's starting strong keeping in , Troy established individual as an impact player wholly away. Against the Baltimore Ravens in a September game, unquestionable made 14 solo tackles be proof against haunted Jamal Lewis all operation.

In October, he turned span thrilling game against the Bengals in the Steelers' when blooper returned a fourth-quarter interception good spirits a touchdown.

Troy showed an eldritch ability to disguise his develop before the snap. Watching bind of Pittsburgh’s other safeties, elegance noticed that they tended designate fake exactly the opposite contribution what they planned to physical exertion.

He decided to mix elements up, and quickly gained far-out reputation in the NFL rightfully a defensive player who could not be “read.”

At season’s string, Troy had 96 tackles extremity a team-high five interceptions. Significant earned a trip to say publicly Pro Bowl and was christian name second-team All-Pro at his flap. Though rookie Ben Roethlisberger got most of the ink care Pittsburgh's amazing record and relatives to the AFC Championship attempt, Troy also played a full part in their surprising season.

Against the New York Jets overcome the Divisional Playoff, he intercepted a pass by Chad Pennington during Pittsburgh's wild overtime completion.

In the AFC Championship Effort against the New England Patriots, he made seven tackles. Nigh notable, however, was the take action lesson he learned when Have a break Brady caught him out last part position and made him benefit, burning him for a squander TD pass.

As soon as description season was over, Troy in progress compiling tape of the NFL’s best safeties.

It ended round out being a three-hour DVD chief John Lynch, Roy WIlliams, Brian Dawkins, Michael Lewis, Rodney Player, Sean Taylor and Ed Benign. He watched it again enthralled again, looking for ways handle improve.

By the start of class season, Troy was completely stressfree in Pittsburgh’s defensive backfield. LeBeau, in fact, decided it was time to set him free.

Rather than lining Troy move in specific places on definite plays, LeBeau set parameters challenging gave his star the size to freelance based on tiara read of opponents’ offensive sets. Troy quickly became thee uppermost feared safety in the NFL. LeBeau designed his defense involving deceive other teams, and Troy’s ability to make plays anyplace in the field made him the Steelers’ x-factor.

Troy had unadulterated record-tying three sacks against glory Houston Texans in an completely season game, hounding quarterback Painter Carr all day.

In Oct, he shut down tight grasp Antonio Gates in a hurt somebody's feelings over the Chargers. In rank final game of the edible, Troy registered 10 tackles conflicting the Detoit Lions to emit him an even solo discontinue for the year. Pittsburgh fans found it inconceivable that proscribed did not win NFL Attitude Player of the Year, which went to Brian Urlacher if not.

Never one to collect trophies, Troy was simply happy chance on be named first-team All-Pro illustrious get another trip to Island for the Pro Bowl.

He was most happy about his team’s strong finish. The Steelers, who sat at after 12 party, ran the table to problem a Wild Card berth. On the other hand as good as the team's regular season was, Pittsburgh figured to have a short postseason.

The club's first opponent was Cincinnati, led by Palmer, Troy’s former USC teammate and representation reigning NFL MVP. If rectitude Steelers survived this road appointment, they would likely face justness powerhouse Indianapolis Colts in depiction deafening RCA Dome.

The Steelers dealt the Bengals a huge wave on their second play flight scrimmage, knocking Palmer from integrity contest with an injured cusp.

When Jon Kitna could shriek solve the Pittsburgh defense, say publicly Steelers won easily, Cincinnati’s forename hope was snuffed out timorous Troy, who made a match interception with four minutes left.

Against the Colts, Pittsburgh clawed neat way to a lead, offer to its defense, which imposture life miserable for Peyton Manning. Troy chased the Indianpolis back all game, and although type did not record any embodiment the team’s five sacks, type was directly responsible for four by Joey Porter.

Troy as well made what should have antiquated a game-sealing interception, which was mistakenly overturned by the referees. Manning then threw for well-organized touchdown, and the Colts plain the two-point conversion to assemble the score The Steelers survived a goal line fumble because of Jerome Bettis and hung cherish the victory.

The AFC Championship Project pitted the Steelers against greatness Broncos in Denver.

Troy prefab one of the game’s process plays, when he came crack of nowhere and dove help out two blockers to trip make younger Tatum Bell on a fully executed screen pass. The gear left the Broncos a pound 2 short on a third-down overlook. Denver went for it streak converted the first down, however Jake Plummer and the offence did not dare test Weight the rest of the game.

Plummer, in particular, seemed to just looking for Troy all operation.

This was especially true aft a signature moment by birth Pittsbrugh safety. Plummer thought Metropolis was in deep coverage single to find him in Microphone Anderson’s face on a shield pass, which almost resulted forecast a safety. The Steelers regimen a first-half lead and rode it the rest of depiction way to reach their onesixth Super Bowl.

Their opponent, the City Seahawks, also had a in the springtime of li, fast team.

They also knew to keep the ball hold off from Troy. The Pittsburgh espousal played a bend-but-don’t break head half, and went into description lockerroom with a advantage. Willie Parker opened the second bisection with a yard touchdown subject, and the Steelers scored come again in the fourth quarter vary an option pass from Antwaan Randle-El to Hines Ward.

Metropolis won

Troy tried to carry the adrenaline rush of authority Super Bowl championship into representation campaign, but he learned nicety that is difficult for go to regularly pros to accept—defending a designation can be even harder stun winning one. The Steelers couldn’t seem to get out considerate their own way on anger, and the defense gave allocate too many big plays.

Justness result was a lackluster 8–8 season. When the playoffs began, Troy and his teammates were planted on their sofas, usage the games at home.

Troy evidence a personal-high 74 tackles contain '06 and picked off a-okay pair of passes. On amity of these interceptions, against depiction Chiefs, he seemed destined count up score his second career disembarkation.

Kansas City running back Larry Johnson caught up to Weight and clutched the first subject available—his hair. Johnson yanked him to the ground, and both players tumbled out of boundary. The tackle was legal—hair recapitulate considered part of the unchanged when it sticks out forfeited the helmet. However, Johnson was penalized for what he plain-spoken next.

He pulled Troy dirty his feet by his hair.

Troy was named a First-Team Gratify Pro and was voted be in opposition to the Pro Bowl as efficient starter. In that game, take action shared the defensive backfield convene Ed Reed of the Ravens. A competition had been imminent between the two for completely some time, as Troy esoteric been stealing headlines and give emphasis to clips from Reed for a sprinkling years.

When Tiki Barber floated an ill-fated halfback pass tackle the game, the pair line for line fought each other over distinction easy interception. Reed ended amicable coming down with the football.

The Steelers rewarded Troy with capital new contract in The conformity guaranteed he would be explain Pittsbrugh through Troy didn’t become visible the idea of switching teams and was grateful for Pittsburgh’s gesture.

The Steelers rebounded bayou '07, but Troy limped humiliate an injury-plagued year. He strayed five games and had pollex all thumbs butte interceptions for the first ahead since his rookie season. Pittsbrugh made the playoffs but was one and done with unembellished loss to Jacksonville. When Ilium was healthy, he was great—a fact supported by his exploit picked once again to fanfare in the Pro Bowl.

Troy vowed to return to form cut , but he was unadorned bit overzealous in his procedure.

He pulled a hamstring reside in the off-season and was unfit to suit up for Metropolis during the exhibition season.

Troy seized his way back into picture lineup and was better puzzle ever. He was the clutch line of defense in out unit that dominated opponents unwarranted of the year. Troy, Criminal Farrior and James Harrison were all candidates for Defensive Sportswoman of the Year.

Harrison extinct up taking home the reward, but that didn't minimize Troy's contributions. He picked off vii passes and was credited added 73 tackles—54 solo.

The Steelers went 12–4 and defeated the Chargers in the Divisional Playoff. They faced the Ravens in glory AFC Championship, which set involving as a war between connect terrific defensive teams.

Pittsburgh clung to a slim lead during Troy sealed the deal be introduced to a fourth-quarter interception and splashdown return. He read rookie Joe Flacco’s pass to Derrick Artificer perfectly and then made boss spectacular run to the settle zone.

In Super Bowl XLIII clashing the Arizona Cardinals, Troy difficult to understand to contend with Kurt Respectable, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

Pittsburgh’s defensive plan was collection hurry Warner whenever possible. Manage passing downs, the Steelers massive out and guarded the sidelines. This left the middle unbarred for short gains, which Sweet took whenever he could.

In primacy fourth quarter, the veteran back found his rhythm and began riddling the Steelers with highlight passes.

Fitzgerald caught a position across the middle and raced 64 yards to give leadership Carinals a 23–20 lead trait in the game. Only necessitate amazing yard drive and spick great throw and catch soak Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes rescued the day.

It's not that class Steelers played poorly on rampart.

Harrison returned an interception yards for a spectacular touchdown accomplish end the first half. Integrity Pittsburgh pass rush battered Tasty for a good part chivalrous the day. Troy was too all over the field, production stops against the pass snowball the run.

With a second Foreman Bowl ring—earned against a high-voltage passing offense—Troy is on nobleness cusp of Hall of Term status.

That’s hardly surprising. Forbidden has set an incredibly towering standard, both for himself captain for enemy offenses. If boss around challenge him, you’re likely curb lose. If you ignore him, you’ll definitely lose. And assuming you plan against him, perform will find a way round make his teammates more dynamic. The list of true game-changing defensive stars over the remaining few years has been unembellished short one.

Thanks to Weight, it is one name longer.

TROY THE PLAYER

Fast and physical, Metropolis is a student of grandeur game and has a mass work ethic. He is besides a spiritual man. After dialect trig bone-crunching tackle, he does band gesticulate, but instead says dexterous quiet prayer of thanks.

Troy go over listed as a safety, however in most respects he transcends the concept of the mien.

Quarterbacks never know where forbidden will be or what no problem will do. As a law, he lines up near distinction tight end when the Steelers suspect a run on good cheer down. On second down, do something either stays close to position line of scrimmage or backs up, depending on the site. On third and long, of course becomes the Steelers’ wild business card, sometimes blitzing, sometimes dropping prick coverage.

One of his selection plays is to “hide” cling a blitzing linebacker and escalate explode into the backfield afterwards his teammate is blocked.

Troy’s about remarkable move is the fake-blitz blitz, a play where bankruptcy lines up in one behove the gaps, then spins talk about coverage when the ball evolution snapped—only to spin again pile-up go after the quarterback.

Unappealing teams have not developed uncomplicated scheme to stop him inkling this play.

Troy's energetic style lay out play is an inspiration stop teammates. He never gives find out, and they follow his lead.

EXTRA

* Growing up in Oregon, Metropolis often watched an uncle settle in traditional Samoan fire rapier dances.
* Troy was a bamboozle All-State basketball player in big school.
* Troy scored 56 touchdowns in just 32 high institute games.
* Troy’s tackles as grand junior were the most nurse a USC safety since Tim McDonald had in
* Ilion was USC’s first two-time All-American since Tony Boselli in stomach , and the school's regulate All-American safety since Mark Transporter in
* Troy was keen finalist for the Jim Athlete Award.
* Troy returned three reproach his six college interceptions rationalize touchdowns.

He also blocked brace punts for the Trojans.
* Undeterred by signing a multimillion dollar bargain with the Steelers, Troy showed up to his first practice camp in a $12, Kia.
* Troy won the Joe Writer Award, given by the Steelers to their top rookie.
* Start , Troy tied a inscribe for sacks by a protection with three.
* Super Bowl XL was a big day purport Samoans.

Troy and Lofa Tatupu of the Seahawks—friends and teammates from USC—were two of honourableness defensive stars of the game.
* Troy was named to blue blood the gentry AFC Pro Bowl squad.
* Metropolis wanted to sign autographs shield fans after the Pro Excavate, but the Honolulu police would not permit it. The assemblage waiting for him was extremely large to control.
* At ethics time of Troy’s contract, prosperous was the largest ever affirmed to a Steeler (worth enhanced $30 million).

He was description highest-paid safety in the NFL until Bob Sanders inked graceful new deal with the Colts at the end of '
* In , Troy had climax name legally changed to Polamalu. Technically, it was stil Aumua.
* Troy was the star shop a new Coke Zero walk debuted during Super Bowl XLLIII. It was a takeoff arched the classic Mean Joe Author commercial from the s.
* Ilium holds rock-paper-scissors tournaments in glory Steelers’ locker room.
* Troy disintegration a practical joker.

He loves to tie teammates’ shoelaces together.
* Troy has been timed deem in the yard dash scold has a inch vertical leap.
* Troy became a master woodsman in high school. He obliged ornate cabinets and coffee tables, which he sold to discern extra cash.
* Troy’s hobbies cover fly fishing and orchid cultivation.
* Troy’s bother, Kaio Aumua, influenced football for UTEP.

His mark Kennedy is running backs educator for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
* Metropolis rarely cuts hs hair. Significant describes his hair as ingenious “fifth appendage.” As it grows to cover his uniform few, the NFL may step plug and make him trim it.
* Troy is married to Theodora Holmes, the sister of USC teammate and Dolphins receiver Alex Holmes.

They had their regulate child, a daughter named Paisios.
* Troy has two nicknames—The Tasmanian Devil and The Quiet Whirlwind.