Sports

Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu Retires

Published

11 years ago

April 10, 2015

In this Oct. 7, 2012, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu sits on the bench during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Pittsburgh. Polamalu’s iconic football career is over. The eight-time Pro Bowl safety told the Uniontown Herald-Standard he informed Steelers chairman Dan Rooney on Thursday night, April 9, 2015, he will retire rather than return for a 13th season. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer

PITTSBURGH (AP) — His trademark locks bouncing off the top of his No. 43 jersey, Troy Polamalu spent more than a decade flying across football fields as the heady but humble backbone of a defense that led the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now, his spectacular career belongs to the ages.

The eight-time Pro Bowler and 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is retiring after 12 seasons, telling the only team he’s ever played for that it’s time for the next phase of his life. Polamalu’s retirement was first reported by the Uniontown (Pa.) Herald-Standard.

“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 coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “It’s a shining example of the window into who he is. He is a legendary Steeler and a legendary man.”

Taken with the 16th overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft out of USC, Polamalu’s frenetic style and preternatural instincts allowed him to thrive in Hall of Fame defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense. At his peak, Polamalu was arguably the most disruptive player in the league. His ability to anticipate what was coming became highlight fodder that will live on for generations, whether he was leaping over the line of scrimmage while trying to stuff a quarterback sneak or feathering his fingertips under the ball to pluck a pass before it struck the ground.

Still, beneath the hair that earned him a lucrative endorsement deal and the splash plays that changed the course of seasons — including a pick-six against Baltimore in the 2008 playoffs that paved the way for the team’s sixth Super Bowl title — was a man who defined himself as more than just a football player. He was open about his deep Christian faith and made the sign of the cross gesture following tackles.

Soft-spoken and thoughtful, Polamalu’s quiet nature away from the game played in stark contrast to the hell-bent way he went about his job. He embraced the role of mentor late in his career, taking expected successor Shamarko Thomas under his wing two years ago, even inviting Thomas to train with him on the west coast last spring, a regimen that Thomas joked was akin to learning how to be a ninja.

“His actions as a human being were just as impressive as any of the many inhuman plays he made on the football field,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said. “We were very fortunate to have him be a part of our organization for the past 12 years.”

Polamalu finishes with 32 career interceptions, a dozen sacks, seven fumble recoveries and five touchdowns. The numbers, however, hardly do justice to the way Polamalu could wreak havoc on opposing game plans. LeBeau loved to say simply “Troy will be Troy” when asked how the Steelers might use Polamalu on a given Sunday.

While LeBeau’s system relied heavily on discipline and disguise, Polamalu was given expansive freedom to go where he felt the ball was headed. He was right more often than he was wrong. Yet his relentless play took a toll on his sturdy but hardly chiseled 5-foot-10, 213-pound frame. He played a full 16-game schedule just twice in his final six seasons, missing more than half of 2012 with calf problems and four games in 2014 following a fluky knee injury. Polamalu returned in time for Pittsburgh’s loss to Baltimore in the wild-card round of the playoffs, registering five tackles in what turned out to be his final game.

Polamalu, who had two years remaining on his contract with the Steelers, said in the aftermath of the loss he would have to wait and see what the future held.

Polamalu told the Herald-Standard he never considered playing for another team and decided it was time to move on when he wondered if he could make the commitment necessary to play another season.

His departure marks the third significant shake-up for a defense in transition during a busy offseason. LeBeau left in January after not having his contract renewed and free agent linebacker Jason Worilds abruptly retired in March at age 27.

LeBeau landed a job with Tennessee and Worilds is young enough that a comeback isn’t out of the question. Not so with Polamalu, who could become the first member of the core group that led the Steelers to two Super Bowl wins and three appearances in six seasons to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tributes came pouring in through social media in the aftermath of Polamalu’s announcement, with opponents who spent long Sunday afternoons dreading dealing with Polamalu tipping their caps in reverence to an iconic career.

Tim Tebow tweeted Polamalu was one of the “toughest, smartest and kindest players I played against” while San Francisco wide receiver Torrey Smith — who tangled regularly with Polamalu while playing for the Ravens — tweeted “Polamalu would do some crazy things on the football field….loved watching him play and competing against him.”

It’s a feeling echoed by nearly all that witnessed Polamalu’s singular talent in person.

“We’ve been fortunate to have great players throughout the years, but he of course would be one of the top players,” Steelers chairman Dan Rooney said. “He did everything with dignity and responsibility, and it was special to have Troy be a Steeler his entire career.”

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

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1 month ago

December 4, 2025

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Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

8 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

11 months ago

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Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.