Former Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu Named Hall of Fame Finalist
Former Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu has been named as one of 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020. Polamalu was selected as a finalist in his first season of eligibility.
Polamalu played 12 seasons for the Steelers from 2003-14 after being a first-round draft pick out of USC in 2003, winning two Super Bowls with Pittsburgh.
He was selected to eight Pro Bowls, four times as a first-team All-Pro, twice as a second-team All-Pro and was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.
Polamalu was previously selected as a member of the NFL’s 2000s all-decade team and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ all-time team. Polamalu was also recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
He finished his NFL career by playing in 158 games and recording 770 tackles, 12 sacks, 32 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles and scored three touchdowns.
From the 15 finalists, five will be selected to be inducted in the Class of 2020, with the selection taking place the day before Super Bowl LIV. The Class of 2020 has been called the Centennial Class, to honor the NFL’s 100th anniversary, and will also include 10 senior nominees, three contributors and two coaches.
Former Steelers coaches Bill Cowher and Buddy Parker and safety Donnie Shell have been nominated in the coaches and senior players’ categories.