Troy Polamalu who was an “outstanding player and person” officially retires

News broke last night that Troy Polamalu had decided to retire as told to Jim Wexell of the Herald Standard and the Steelers this morning released an official statement on Polamalu’s retirement.

“Since we drafted him in 2003, Troy Polamalu has been an outstanding player and person,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II said in the released statement. “On behalf of the entire Steelers organization and the Steelers Nation, I am happy to be able to publicly celebrate and thank Troy for his many contributions to the Steelers. His unique style of play will be remembered among the all-time Steelers. His passion for the game of football on the field and his willingness to be a contributor to the community make him a very special person.”

The future Hall of Famer was one of the most beloved Steelers of all-time and will go down as one of their greatest players.

Polamalu was an eight-time Pro Bowler (2004-08, 2010-11, ‘13), and has been named first-team AP All Pro four times (2005, 2008, 2010-11) and second team two times (2004, 2007). Polamalu was also named to the 2000’s NFL All-Decade Team and to the Steelers’ 75th Anniversary Team.

One of Polamalu’s greatest individual accomplishments was being named 2010 Defensive Player of the Year.

”Troy is a shining example of a football man in the way he loved the game, the way he respected the game and the way he played the game,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said. “It’s a shining example of the window into who he is. He is a legendary Steeler and a legendary man. I congratulate him and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”