Troy Polamalu Retires: Fans, Reporters, And Celebs React
Troy Polamalu made a significant impact on the field during his 12-season career as a strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Since the news of Troy’s decision to retire was first confirmed Thursday, the impact that he had on Steelers fans, critics, and even celebrities has also been noticed. Troy Polamalu’s accomplishments, performance stats, and overall presence in the NFL has been praised, applauded, and referenced in numerous tweets.
Fans loved Polamalu when the Steelers won, and they still loved him when the team lost. Since Polamalu was first drafted to the Steelers back in 2003, he tackled the hearts of so many Pittsburgh Steelers fans and refused to let them go.
Now that Polamalu has decided to bring his playing days to an end and focus on the post-career stage of his life, numerous Steelers fans have started stepping forward to show their respect and love for #43.
The day has come. The end to an unbelievable career. Troy Polamalu has informed the Steelers that he will retire. pic.twitter.com/4wHw57FDTZ
— Steelers (@Avg_BurghFan) April 10, 2015
It was always evident that @tpolamalu was more than just a football player. Thanks for being a great guy, thanks for being a Steeler. ?
— Erin (@SteelersFanTN) April 10, 2015
Thank you for everything @tpolamalu – always a joy to watch. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
— Sam McCarthy (@tharealsammac) April 10, 2015
Troy Polamalu is the most special player I’ve ever had the privilege of watching play in my 24 years of life. Amazing man. God love ’em #43
— Nick (@SteelCityKid117) April 10, 2015
No! @tpolamalu retired! Into the hall of fame you go
— Andrea (@BehindMySmile_) April 10, 2015
Congratulations to @tpolamalu on an outstanding career, but more to being the complete role model that I’m proud to let my children follow.
— DJ Walsh (@DWalsh4399) April 10, 2015
Sports fans and critics were not the only ones who have congratulated Troy Polamalu for his contributions to the NFL over the past 12 years. Quite a few celebrities have added their names to the list of fans showing their appreciation for the strong safety for the work that he did on and off the field.
Thank you to @tpolamalu for all of the incredible plays, the rings, and for being such a great example. #FirstBallotHOF @steelers
— Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) April 10, 2015
. @tpolamalu Congratulations on a great career, enjoy the red eggs with your family!
— Nia Vardalos (@NiaVardalos) April 10, 2015
Many of the sports reporters and commentators who have covered, interviewed, and talked about Troy Polamalu over the years also used Twitter to share their kind words. Some even found a clever way to add a little humor to the sad news of having to say goodbye to such a powerful athlete and future Hall of Famer.
Troy Polamalu, one of the great Steelers ever, is retiring. Not many men I’ve covered have his perspective on life, and football.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) April 10, 2015
It’s time like this we should say a little prayer for the guy who has to sculpt the hair on Troy Polamalu’s Hall of Fame bust.
— Adam Rank (@adamrank) April 10, 2015
Most remarkable thing about Troy Polamalu might’ve been juxtaposition of his on-field violence and off-field tranquility.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) April 10, 2015
Some of Troy Polamalu’s fellow teammates have used Twitter to shine the spotlight on his impressive career with congratulatory messages and expressions of gratitude.
Congrats to my man @tpolamalu on a HOF career! It was an honor to play with you! And to think he’s even a better guy off the field! — Bruce Gradkowski (@bgradkowski5) April 10, 2015
Man! @tpolamalu was the 1st person to introduce himself to me when I arrived at camp last fall. I’ll never forget that.
— Joshua Harris (@JoshHarris25) April 10, 2015
EA Sports has even joined the party with a tweet of their own, reminding Madden NFL game fans and critics that Troy Polamalu was featured as one of the cover athletes for Madden NFL 10.
Congrats @tpolamalu on a legendary career. You showed us a whole new way to play Strong Safety. #CoverAthleteFam #tbt pic.twitter.com/wqtW6TloME — EA SPORTS Madden NFL (@EAMaddenNFL) April 10, 2015
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Troy Polamalu looks forward to spending more quality time with his family now that his days of wearing the #43 jersey are over (at least for now).
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly asked Troy Polamalu to retire back in February. However, Polamalu resisted and was going to continue playing. However, his resistance came to an end in church this week during the Holy Week of the Greek Orthodox faith.
Polamalu opened up about his decision to retire in a phone interview with Jim Wexell.
“It’s all about family. I live here in Pittsburgh now, and since the end of the season I’ve had a chance to enjoy my family on a level I never had before. It was awesome.”
As seen from the numerous responses, reactions, and kind words shared on Twitter, it is clear that Troy Polamalu leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans, critics, reporters, video game franchises, and celebrities for many years to come.
[Image Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images]