Steeler Nation was in for a shock this past week with the announcement of long-time Steelers safety Troy Polamalu retiring. The twelve-year Steeler out of USC announced his retirement last Thursday.

Polamalu has been with the Steelers through three Superbowls, helping them win two of them. He has been beloved by the city of Pittsburgh and was considered quote unquote one of the greats.

The safety has had an impressive career with plenty of interceptions and other impressive stats. Specifically, he has had 32 interceptions and 3 touchdowns; he also had over 500 tackles. (Stats via NFL.com)

It was clear that Troy did not want to leave Pittsburgh if he did not have to. According to bleacherreport.com, Troy said, “I did not seriously consider playing elsewhere. It was just whether or not I wanted to play.”

Additionally, he added: “I don’t care about a legacy…. I play the game because I enjoy it. That’s the reason to keep playing.”

Steelers president Art Rooney II had only good things to say about the eight time pro bowler including, “Since we drafted him in 2003, Troy Polamalu has been an outstanding player and person.”

Troy Polamalu will definitely be remembered in football and not just for his head and shoulders commercials. It is safe to say that Polamalu as the Hall of Fame written in his future.