After 12-years of staring in the Pittsbrugh Steelers' defensive backfield, All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu announced tonight that he'd be retiring.
Earlier reports indicated that Polamalu could be released by the only organization he's ever played for, instead of treading into the waters of free agency, Polamalu decided to hang up the pads as a Steeler. Polamalu told Scout.com's Jim Wexell:
"I did not seriously consider playing elsewhere. It was just whether or not I wanted to play."
In the same interview, Polamalu said it was about "family," adding:
"What it came down to was definitely family. If I'm in my fourth year, fifth year, even if I'm in my 10th year, I'm playing in Alaska. But when I started this process and started to debate whether I should come back or should I play, that was kind of the sign for me to say 'Whoa, if you're just even debating it maybe you shouldn't play anymore."
After being drafted with the 16th overall pick all the way back in 2003, Polamalu's (someday) Hall of Fame career included: 158 games, 32 interceptions, 12 sacks, almost 800 tackles, 15 playoff games, eight Pro Bowls, four 1st Team All-Pro selections, the 2010 AP Defensive Player of the Year Award, and of course, two Super Bowl rings.
[via Scout/Football Reference]
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