Troy Polamalu discusses injury recovery, HGH testing

May 21, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) wipes sweat from his eyes while being interviewed by members of the media after participating in organized team activities at the UPMC Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu has missed 22 games since 2009, including nine last year with a calf injury. Back at training camp and excited to be on the field again, Polamalu talked with USA Today about his long road to recovery and his opinions on HGH testing.

Polamalu said that being forced to spend so long away from the game he loves made him really appreciate his opportunity to play:

"Injury in general teaches you to appreciate every moment. I’ve had my share of injuries throughout my career. It’s humbling. It gives you perspective. No matter how many times I’ve been hurt, I’ve learned from that injury and come back even more humble (USA Today)."

The 11-year veteran also touched on HGH testing, a recent hot topic in NFL circles:

"I’m absolutely in favor of HGH testing. The process of it — I can understand the arguments, the blood testing because when they take your blood, they really take everything for you. But overall, I’m absolutely in favor of HGH (blood) testing."

The Pittsburgh Steelers open the regular season on September 8th against the Tennessee Titans.

[Source: USA Today]

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