April 10th marks the nine year anniversary of legendary Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu’s retirement. Drafted in the first-round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Polamalu redefined the safety position with his one of a kind play-making abilities.

Even though the “Tasmanian Devil” decided to hang up the cleats, his top plays will forever be remembered in the hearts of Steelers fans. Today, we are going to showcase his top five career plays, which are subjective as he had such an impact on the football field.

This article most likely will give you a nostalgic feeling, with the hope that we can turn back the clock and watch Polamalu just one more time.

#5. One-handed Interception vs. Titans (2009)

There is no need for an in-depth analysis other than just stating the obvious – Polamalu was extremely athletic during his prime and this play displays just that.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins heaved the football to wide receiver Kenny Britt and Polamalu decided that a two-handed interception wasn’t good enough in this moment.

#4. Diving One-handed Interception vs. Chargers (2008)

Polamalu’s one-handers were absolutely unbelievable. Back in 2008 social media wasn’t around like it is today. Could you imagine the reaction after witnessing this play live?

Against the San Diego Chargers in a week 11 matchup in 2008, the young safety dove for the football after it was tipped in the air thanks to Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson’s inability to reel the pass in.

If you take a minute and check out the replay, you will see that the ball never hit the ground; rather Polamalu gets his fingertips under the football to scoop it up and returns it several yards before falling in the snow.

#3. Strip Sack vs. Ravens (2010)

In a crucial matchup keeping pace for the division title, the Steelers trailed 10-6 with under four minutes to go. The Ravens were driving into Steelers territory and just needed a few more first downs to secure the victory.

Instead, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau dialed up a blitz off the edge and Polamalu made a key play at just the right time.

Polamalu was in prime position as soon as the ball was snapped due to his natural ability to time the snap. He attacked the football from Flacco and teammate LaMarr Woodley scooped up the pigskin and returned it to the ten-yard line.

The rest was history as this regular season matchup was just about finished with an Isaac Redman receiving touchdown. Yet another low scoring Steelers and Ravens slugfest where the defense made a splash play at just the right time.

#2. QB Sneak Stop in AFC Championship Game (2008) 

The AFC Championship game in 2008 against the Baltimore Ravens was one of the most intense battles I personally ever witnessed.

Hard hits, interceptions, multiple sacks, and overall physicality in all phases of the game – that’s what defined the old school battles when these two teams faced off. The style closely mimics today’s rivalry, but thanks to the NFL’s focus on player safety, we won’t see the same level of brutality in this new era.

The play showcases one of the unique talents that Polamalu had — his ability to time the snap count and to leap over the line of scrimmage. On fourth down and one yard to go with the score 6-0 Pittsburgh, and the Ravens driving into Steelers territory, it was the football IQ and athleticism of Polamalu that made a critical stop.

#1. Game-sealing Pick-Six in AFC Championship Game (2008) 

“Polamalu takes it home, Super Bowl 43, Pittsburgh might be bound for that thanks to number 43.” – Jim Nantz

Those words are forever engraved in me.

Polamalu had a knack for the football; it’s how he was so successful all of these years. An aspect of his game that was uncanny was his ability to read the eyes of quarterbacks. With a Super Bowl on the line and less than five minutes remaining in the AFC Championship Game, it was on the Steelers’ number one defense to step up and make a play.

Flacco was in the shotgun on 3rd down and 13 with Baltimore being down only two points (14-16), attempting to take as much time off the clock as possible. Getting this first down would have given the Ravens an excellent opportunity to win the football game. Except one player had a different storybook ending in mind: Troy Polamalu.

The pass was intended right to wide receiver Derrick Mason. The pressure from James Harrison off the edge forced Flacco to get rid of the football in a hurry. Polamalu read the rookie quarterback’s eyes, intercepted the football, and returned it 40-yards for the touchdown sending the Steelers to the Super Bowl.

Wrap-Up: 

I understand that Polamalu had so many more legendary plays during his time with the Steelers, but these are my top five when I think of his name. He truly revolutionized the safety position and I still almost a decade later can’t fathom not seeing #43 on the defense.

What are your top five top Polamalu plays of all time? Leave a comment below and let me know why you chose them.