Troy Polamalu: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Steelers Star's Future

Although safety Troy Polamalu had been instrumental to the Pittsburgh Steelers' success since entering the league in 2003, the eight-time Pro Bowler's stint in the NFL has reached its conclusion as he has announced his retirement from the league.

Continue for updates.

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Polamalu Announces Retirement

Thursday, April 9

Jim Wexell of SteelCityInsider.com reported from Polamalu that the All-Pro safety is retiring from the NFL:

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"It's all about family," said Polamalu in a phone interview. "I live here in Pittsburgh now, and since the end of the season I've had a chance to enjoy my family on a level I never had before. It was awesome."

"I did not seriously consider playing elsewhere," Polamalu said. "It was just whether or not I wanted to play. I had talked to a lot of people about what I should do with my situation, and what they kept saying back to me, and which was not a sufficient reason, was 'Troy, you played 12 years in the NFL, you won Super Bowls, won individual awards. There's nothing left to prove. You have a legacy.' And I just kept saying, 'First of all, I don't care about a legacy. Second of all, I play the game because I enjoy it.' That's the reason to keep playing.

"Like I said, 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,' because what I do know about this game is it takes a lot, a lot, of commitment just to be an average player."

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On Monday, March 9, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert issued a statement on Polamalu's status with the franchise, saying “At this time, we do not have an update on Troy Polamalu or his contract status. We will continue to communicate with Troy and his representatives regarding his future.” 

On March 4, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed his expectations regarding the 33-year-old defensive back's future on 93.7 The Fan's The Cook and Poni Show, via CBS Pittsburgh.

"That is the elephant in the room," Bouchette said. "I expect him not to be here by some means. The Steelers are hoping he would retire, but I don't know if he is going to."

Regardless of Polamalu's decision, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was confident the former USC standout had played his last game for the Steelers, according to NFL.com's Marc Sessler:

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NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the organization believes the celebrated safety has played his last game for the Steelers, per a pair of team sources.

Rapoport was told that the defender is not in Pittsburgh's plans for 2015 and won't be back. The only question is how his exit will play out.

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Turns out Rapoport was right. Polamalu's decision to retire doesn't come as a great surprise. While still a potentially impactful mentor and leader for young players, Polamalu has slowed down in recent years overall

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