Andrew Hawkins Posts Tribute Video of Troy Polamalu Destroying Him on the Field

Troy Polamalu retired Thursday, which is sad, in a way.

But dry that wistful eye, friend. The Pittsburgh Steelers safety spent the last 12 years successfully intercepting footballs and hunting ball-carriers like wild game.

He was a special kind of ball hawk, and now Andrew Hawkins—one of Polamalu's favorite prey—is looking back on their close, shoulder-pad-to-ribcage relationship.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver posted a video to Instagram of his on-field run-ins with Polamalu. Hawkins will miss those days:

Hawkins captioned his video with a note congratulating Polamalu on his career:

"

But in all seriousness, it was an honor, privilege, and dream come true to be able to step on the same field as @tpolamalu. Growing in Johnstown, Pa, I had the opportunity to watch him play since I was in high school, and he's always been a man & player of integrity & an incredible example for young players like myself. Congratulations on an unbelievable career! And best of luck in the future!

"

You don't know what you have until the guy who slammed you into the ground like a ragamuffin is gone.

Dan is on Twitter. He loves to see this kind of opponent respect/low-grade Stockholm syndrome.