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Tag: Troy Polamalu

  • Pittsburgh Steelers Start To Get More Active In Free Agency

    The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fairly quiet in the first week of the NFL’s free agency, and have not made moves to pick up any stars like other teams have. After failing to make the playoffs last year, one would think they would have been more active by now.

    Pittsburgh’s latest move has been to show interest in running back Maurice Jones-Drew, and their former star linebacker James Harrison. The Steelers are beginning to increase their efforts, and have set up some visits with other free agents as well.

    James Harrison has always been a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, and was one of the best players on their defensive squad until they were forced to let him go last years as a salary cap disaster. He would certainly be welcome back in Pittsburgh, and their former star recently showed interest in returning.

    Maurice Jones-Drew could be a nice addition to the offense, and a change of pace for a team that mostly relied on Le’Veon Bell as a rookie last year. He rushed for 803 yards on 234 carries with five touchdowns last season.

    Bell is a great back, but it could help to have the veteran on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, giving them a sense of leadership, and he may still have a few good seasons in him. The official offensive move that they have made already was securing that veteran Heath Miller would return, along with Troy Polamalu in the same move.

    As a team, they started the 2013 with a horrible record, but managed to salvage it enough to almost make the playoffs, and were left out after a missed call in the game between the Chiefs and Chargers.

    The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for the power of their defense, with the famous “Steel Curtain,” and the few moves that they have made already have been focused on defense.

    They had released a couple of veterans in Larry Foote and Lamarr Woodley, but of course needed to re-sign Troy Polamalu, who is set on finishing his career with the Steelers.

    The Pittsburgh Steelers have changed a bit in the past few years, and due to some injuries to players like Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, and Troy Polamalu, they had some troubles in 2013. It is hard to know what they will do in the draft since, when healthy, the Steelers could still be a top team.

    Perhaps they could use another receiver after losing Emmanuel Sanders to the Broncos, and Mike Wallace to the Dolphins in the previous year. Where could they use the most help?

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  • Troy Polamalu Agrees To Contract Extension With Pittsburgh Steelers

    For many years now, Troy Polamalu has been a strong force in the tough Steelers defense, and the veteran safety will be sticking around for at least a few more years.

    The Pittsburgh Steelers had a bit of a rough season in 2013 that prevented them from making the playoffs, but one thing that has remained constant with their team for several years is the strong play from their star safety.

    They were able to make the playoffs with some last second help from other teams, which did not work out in their favor, and the Chargers got in instead. Perhaps next year will be the year for Pittsburgh, and some young talent from the draft may help them win more games in 2014.

    During the NFL’s off-season, many teams continue to take a closer look at their rosters, and while some players are being cut, others also get contract extensions. On Wednesday, Polamalu signed a three-year contract extension that will secure him a spot on the team until 2016.

    The deal is for $20 million total, and saves Pittsburgh $4.5 million against the cap this year, according to ESPN.

    Throughout his career, Troy Polamalu has been responsible for a large amount of tackles, interceptions, and even sacks, racking up stats in a variety of areas, unlike some safeties. He has played in three Super Bowls for the team, two of which they won.

    In the 2013 season, he had another outstanding performance, and was voted to his eighth Pro Bowl. Over the course of the season, he had 85 tackles, intercepting two passes and forcing five fumbles.

    In addition to Troy Polamalu, Heath Miller was also given a contract extension until 2016. Miller is a veteran tight end for the Steelers, and like Polamalu, he has spent several seasons, and multiple Super Bowls with the team. He holds the franchise record for touchdown receptions by a tight end.

    Both players experienced injuries in 2012, and were forced to sit out for multiple games. However, they are important parts of the franchise, and Steelers President Art Rooney II even told ticket holders in January that he wanted Polamalu to play his entire career in Pittsburgh.

    While the others are not making as big of headlines as Troy Polamalu, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy reworking their roster. Their Wednesday transactions also included releasing linebacker Larry Foote, cornerback Curtis Brown and offensive tackle Levi Brown and agreeing to a one-year deal with safety Will Allen.

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  • Troy Polamalu Cuts His Hair For Veterans

    Troy Polamalu is known for being an outstanding safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, what he is most famous for is his long curly hair that he has not cut since 2000.

    As part of a Veteran’s Day event for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, Polamalu agreed to cut off four locks of his hair to be auctioned off to raise money for the veterans. While this may not seem like a big deal to most, it is for Polamalu and his sponsor, Head and Shoulders Men. What you may not know is, they have his hair insured for $1 million dollars. When asked by a reporter for GQ if this cut would affect the insurance policy, Polamalu responded while laughing saying, “What they’re cutting is probably about $100,000 worth of hair. No, no it’s fortunately not.”

    The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation’s official website describes the history of the foundation and why it was created. “The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans’ service organization comprised of combat veterans and eligible military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation’s largest organization of war veterans and its oldest major veterans’ organization.”

    Polamalu is a major supporter of our veterans and says he would not be doing this if it wasn’t for a good cause. Polamalu and his wife, Theodora, developed the Harry Panos Fund in remembrance of Theodora’s grandfather, who served in World War II.

    “I understand the issues that veterans and their families face while serving our country, and I am honored to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Mane Event, encouraging the nation to unite for veterans for a second year,” Polamalu said. “By getting my hair cut on Veterans Day, I am showing my commitment to the men and women who served our country, the real heroes.” He continued, “My hair is more like an appendage that’s been growing and I don’t want to lose it. I definitely wouldn’t be cutting my hair if it weren’t to help raise awareness and support the cause.”

    The “Mane Event” raised $208,327, according to the Veterans of Foreign Wards Foundation’s website.

    Image via Twitter

  • Troy Polamalu Cuts Locks In Support Of Veterans

    The last time Troy Polamalu’s hair touched a Barber’s tool was more than 11 years ago, but Troy was ready to let go of his treasured hair (at least a little bit) to support the veterans.  USA today reported that the footballer will have his wife Theodora trim off one lock of his hair which will be auctioned to support the 7 week cause aimed at raising awareness for veterans’ issues.

    “I understand the issues that veterans and their families face while serving our country, and I am honored to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Mane Event, encouraging the nation to unite for veterans for a second year,” said Polamalu. “By getting my hair cut on Veterans Day, I am showing my commitment to the men and women who served our country – the real heroes.”

    http://youtu.be/HsSAlVki6hw

    Polamalu and his wife Theodora founded the Harry Panos Fund for veterans to support charities that support the military. “I started working with the VFW a couple years ago and have always had a lot of compassion for what veterans go through because of my wife’s grandfather, who I was close with.” Polamalu said.  Polamalu has been a longtime supporter of the veterans but he became a VFW ambassador last year.

    2013 VFW Year in Review

    (main image via YouTube.com)

  • Troy Polamalu to Cut Hair for Veterans

    The Pittsburgh Steelers player who is just as well known for his long locks of hair as he is for his play on the field is getting his first haircut in a decade. Troy Polamalu, the safety who famously insured his hair for $1 million, is going to get a haircut during a Veterans of Foreign Wars event in November.

    The VFW Mane Event haircuts will be held on Veterans Day, and Polamalu says he wants to honor those who have served our country. The event will raise money for struggling veterans. “I understand the issues that veterans, and their families, face while serving our country and I am honored to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars Mane Event, encouraging the nation to unite for veterans for a second year,” said Polamalu. “By getting my hair cut on Veterans Day, I am showing my commitment to the men and women who served our country…the real heroes.”

    So far Polamalu hasn’t said how much hair he will cut, but it is rumored that he may cut up to 10 inches off his mane. Polamalu is using Twitter to spread word of the event:

    People interested in making donations to The VFW Mane Event can do so through the group’s website here. So far, more than $30,000 has been raised. While Polamalu is certainly the most popular person who plans to cut his hair for the VFW, anyone can participate. Participants can sign up through the website and can even challenge their friends to participate using The Dare submission form through Facebook.

    The Veterans of Foreign Wars group has more than 2 million members that are dedicated to helping veterans. Some of the ways the VFW helps is by providing scholarships, advocating for veterans, sending CARE packages to deployed troops and providing medical assistance.

    Will you join Troy Polamalu and support The VFW Mane Event? Respond below.

    Image via YouTube