With his flowing hair, fearless hits and uncanny instincts, Troy Polamalu was one of the most exciting defenders the NFL has ever seen. He spent his entire 12-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, won two Super Bowls, was named Defensive Player of the Year and walked into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the first time of asking.
From USC to Steel City, this is the story of No. 43. Find more gridiron greats in our American football collection and the Pittsburgh Steelers collection.
Troy Polamalu Fact File
| Full name | Troy Polamalu (born Troy Benjamin Aumua) |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 19 April 1981 (age 45) |
| Place of birth | Garden Grove, California, USA |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Position | Strong safety |
| Nationality | American (American Samoan descent) |
| Status | Retired (2014), Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| Shirt number | 43 |
| College | USC Trojans |
Career History
| Years | Team | Interceptions | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2002 | USC Trojans (college) | – | – | – | Consensus All-American (2002) |
| 2003–2014 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 32 | 12 | 14 | Two Super Bowls, 8 Pro Bowls, 4× First-team All-Pro |
NFL figures are regular-season career totals, all with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Years and USC
Born Troy Benjamin Aumua in Garden Grove, California, on 19 April 1981, he later took the surname Polamalu, his mother's maiden name. Proud of his American Samoan heritage, he starred at the University of Southern California from 1999 to 2002 and was a consensus All-American in his final season.
The Steelers traded up to take him with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Celebrate No. 43 with our Troy Polamalu Steelers American Football Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
Super Bowl Champion
Polamalu became a starter in his second season and quickly established himself as a game-changer. He could blitz, cover, tackle and read plays before they happened, often seeming to be everywhere at once. In the 2005 season he helped the Steelers win Super Bowl XL, the first of his two rings.
Wear the famous number with our Troy Polamalu 43 Jersey Frame Men's T-Shirt.
The Pick-Six and a Second Ring
His defining moment came in the AFC Championship Game in January 2009. With the Steelers leading the Baltimore Ravens, Polamalu intercepted Joe Flacco and weaved 40 yards for a touchdown to seal a 23–14 win. Two weeks later Pittsburgh won Super Bowl XLIII, giving Polamalu his second championship.
In 2010 he was named AP Defensive Player of the Year. Over his career he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and four First-team All-Pro honours. Our Troy Polamalu Men's Hoodie is a tribute to one of the great safeties.
Retirement and the Hall of Fame
Polamalu retired after the 2014 season with 32 interceptions, 12 sacks and 14 forced fumbles. He was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, his first year of eligibility. He has also been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Honours
Team
- Super Bowl XL champion
- Super Bowl XLIII champion
Individual
- AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2010)
- Eight Pro Bowls
- Four-time First-team All-Pro (2005, 2008, 2010, 2011)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Hall of Fame
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (elected 2020)
- College Football Hall of Fame
Off the Field
Polamalu became famous for his hair, which led to a long-running Head & Shoulders partnership, and he has appeared in its adverts alongside Patrick Mahomes. He and his wife Theodora founded the charitable Harry Panos Fund.
FAQs
How old is Troy Polamalu?
Troy Polamalu was born on 19 April 1981, so he is 45 years old.
Where was Troy Polamalu born?
He was born in Garden Grove, California.
How tall is Troy Polamalu?
Troy Polamalu stands 1.78 m, or 5 ft 10 in.
What teams did Troy Polamalu play for?
He played college football for USC and spent his whole NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2003–2014).
How many Super Bowls did Troy Polamalu win?
Two: Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII, both with the Steelers.
What was Troy Polamalu's most famous play?
His 40-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game in January 2009 is his signature moment.
Shop the Troy Polamalu Collection
Pick your favourite No. 43 design, made to order in the UK.
Browse the American football collection and Pittsburgh Steelers collection, or add your own name with our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Lawrence Taylor Career Story and Jerry Rice Career Story.
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