He’s an All-Pro, Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, but all those accomplishments pale in comparison to the type of man Troy Polamalu is.
Polamalu joined his former teammate Bryant McFadden and current Steeler Patrick Peterson on the “All Things Covered” Podcast recently.
During part of the show. McFadden read a letter that Polamalu had written him over a decade ago when the cornerback was watching his ability to play football disappear due to injuries.
Polamalu wrote the letter to McFadden for Christmas and it described how much Troy loves McFadden and even though he was going through a tough time, he said he was learning from McFadden on how to be humble and how to preserve.
“Everyday provides opportunities to humble ourselves and show Christ-like example,” part of the letter reads. “I watch and learn from you, you continue to preserve in humility, for this, I look up to you.”
McFadden said he keeps the letter in a safe and that he still reads it from time to time, while getting emotional.
“You didn’t have to write me this letter, at all,” said McFadden. “You didn’t really have to pay attention to what I was dealing with.”
“I love you B-Mac, thank you for sharing that as well,” said Polamalu. “I still really mean those words.”
Polamalu reiterated something he’s said before while talking with his teammates, he always felt unworthy being the face of the Steelers defense.
“Real men and how they deal with adversity, those are things that I really admire,” added Polamalu.
Troy Polamalu was a legend on the field, but ask McFadden and any other teammate he’s had and they’ll tell you the kind of person he is, is the most impressive part.