Patricia Sheridan's Breakfast With ... Troy Polamalu
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Troy and Theodora Polamalu with son Paisios after the 2009 Super Bowl. -
Steeler Troy Polamalu mimics the classic Mean Joe Greene commercial for Coke in an ad for Coke Zero, which premiered during the 2009 Steelers-Cardinals Super Bowl. -
Polamalu's hair was shorter in college at Southern California, where he was teammate and roommate to Carson Palmer, now quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Although he's known for his soft-spoken ways, Steelers' five-time Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu last week spoke out against National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell's crackdown on violent tackling and questioned whether the official had too much power. His comments came after Steelers linebacker James Harrison was fined $75,000 for what the league called illegal hits.
Mr. Polamalu is also known for his big hair and big plays and has attracted legions of fans who love to watch him fly around the field and see his hair balloon in those Head & Shoulders commercials. In fact, Lloyd's of London has insured his lush locks for $1 million.
See the Born in California of Samoan decent, he lived with his single mother until he was 9. After that he was raised by his aunt and uncle in Oregon. Now at 29, No. 43 is the father of two young sons and a devout convert to Eastern (Greek) Orthodox Christianity. He and his wife, Theodora, welcomed their second child, Ephraim, in September. He joined his 2-year-old brother Paisios. The family lives in Pittsburgh and California.
He spoke to Patricia Sheridan before he made his comments about the NFL's handling of the violent tackling issue.
How is everyone adjusting to the new baby?
Everybody is doing well, thank God. My wife is struggling. Obviously she isn't getting any sleep [chuckle]. But, she's got help around the house with her mother and grandmother.
Would you call yourself a superstitious guy? The camera often catches you crossing yourself and praying on the sidelines.
No, not at all, I would say most religions (me being Greek Orthodox) are the antithesis of what superstition is. I would say I'm more traditional than I am superstitious. I don't, for example, have to do things ritually before the game in order to feel comfortable going to the game. But I don't think I'm naturally a football player. I don't have that grit and that killer instinct. In fact, I see a lot of fear and a lot of traps, spiritually, for me in football -- as in any other part of my life. Whenever I do the sign of the cross, it always brings comfort in situations when you are faced with adversity and stress.
Do you use it as a way to concentrate or meditate?
First Published November 8, 2010 12:00 am
