Troy Polamalu Receives Gold Jacket on Stage Before Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

CANTON, Ohio – The Pro Football Hall of Fame was not about to let one of their own be robbed of experiencing one of the special moments from induction weekend. After surprising fans by appearing at the traditional parade the morning after the Gold Jacket Ceremony, Troy Polamalu received his gold jacket on stage at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at the top of the 2020 class ceremony.

When Chris Berman announced that the event would start off in unique fashion with a gold jacket presentation, the large number of Steelers fans in the crowd erupted with cheers and applause. Polamalu, who was wearing a mask, which is notable since he missed the prior festivities of the weekend due to having to wait to test negative for COVID-19 following his positive diagnosis a week ago, walked on stage and was then greeted by Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker, who proceeded to place the jacket on the legendary Steelers safety.

Polamalu being able to be in Canton in person and accept his rightful place in the place that’s often referred to as Football heaven puts that final exclamation point on an induction weekend that Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker has been calling “the greatest ever” due to the largest amount of inductees in one weekend in history. Based on Polamalu’s résumé and status in football history, it’s fair to say he’s among the most notable individuals in either the 2020 or 2021 class.