Troy Polamalu named Pittsburgh Steeler captain for first time

It’s a day of first for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Earlier today we learned that rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier will be the first line backer to start in 40 years for the black and gold and now we find out that veteran safety and NFL Pro-Bowler Troy Poloamalu will be one of the teams captains. Believe it or not he has never been a captain in his Steelers career.

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Polomalu has been in the league for 12 seasons and all of which are with the same team. Polamalu was taken with the 16th pick in the 2003 draft and almost wasn’t picked by the Steelers. The team originally had planned to sign a free safety during free agency, Dexter Jackson who was the MVP from the previous seasons Super Bowl. Jackson was set to sign but at the last minute opted to sign with the Arizona Cardinals instead. The Steelers needed safety help in a bad way and couldn’t turn down the man who is as known for his hair as his play.

In his 12 seasons, Polamalu has been an eight time pro-bowler and four time first team all-pro.

In addition to Polamalu the team has nominated Ben Roethlisberger for the 4th time. On special teams Robert Golden and kicker Shaun Suisham will round out the four team captains. Last season the defensive captains were safety Ryan Clark and defensive end Brett Keisel.