Speculation has ended and what Steelers Nation was dreading the most has come true: Troy Polamalu has retired.

Truth be told, it’s not about beginnings or endings in this story; it’s about what happened in between. Troy is the epitome of a “professional” football player. No drama in the off-season, no drama during the season — only magnificent playmaking on the field and true class, grace, dignity, compassion and philanthropy off the field, with little or no fanfare as he went about just being Troy.

I want to thank him for all he has done for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but more important, for everything he has done for the people of Pittsburgh. There will never be another one like Troy Polamalu.

If NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is looking for role models, somebody give him 43’s number because there has never been a better example of a role model, and we were so lucky to have him. Enjoy retirement, Troy, you have earned it and then some.

PATRICIA A. ROMZY
Mt. Lebanon

First Published: April 17, 2015, 4:00 a.m.