Troy Polamalu was named an All-American, Pro Bowler, All-Pro, Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL, two time Super Bowl champion and a member of the University of Southern California’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The former safety has now been selected for enshrinement into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Polamalu excelled at USC. Polamalu made an immediate impact during his first season as a starter in 2000, recording an interception for a score in the Trojans’ season-opening victory over Penn State. He was a star in the making, recording 83 tackles that season to go with one sack, two interceptions and his touchdown against the Nittany Lions.
Polamalu was even better in 2001. A team captain, Polamalu earned second team All-American. He recorded 118 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three blocked punts and two touchdowns. Polamalu, who recorded a season high 20 tackles in USC’s loss to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl, was named the team’s MVP for his efforts.
The future NFL star capped off his college career by helping the Trojans reach national prominence in 2002. USC closed out the season with eight straight victories. Polamalu earned first team All-America honors that year to become the first Trojan to earn two All-America honors since Tony Boselli in 1992.
Polamalu went on to enjoy a stellar career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A first round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, Polamalu earned eight Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro nods during his dozen years with the Steelers. He also helped Pittsburgh win their two most recent Super Bowl titles while being named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.
Polamalu will be eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
