Polamalu admits fear of future serious injury

[stillers4me]

Troy Polamalu fears one day he will take a blow to the head that will result in serious long-term negative effects on his brain. And he has no plans to change his style of play or torpedo-like manner of tackling.

Speaking publicly for the first time since being knocked out of Sunday's win against Kansas City due to concussion-like symptoms, Pittsburgh's All-Pro safety said he feels good. He went through his second consecutive full practice Friday and is listed as probable for Sunday's AFC North showdown between the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.

Polamalu said he plays with a perpetual internal struggle between the constant threat of serious injury and not letting it affect his performance.........

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[The WH]

If he doesn't plan on adjusting his tackling style, then he has no one to blame but himself.

[GBMelBlount]

It is not always easy to consciously change styles for someone who plays so instinctively and with 100% intensity in game situations.

Just sayin.

[Count Steeler]

The beginning of the end of our Troy. Hope he is around for at 2 more rings, but I'd rather see him retire healthy than retire worse.

[Godfather]

I hate to say it, but if Troy can't or won't change his style, he needs to retire at the end of this year. Football is just a game.

[Galax Steeler]

If he doesn't plan on adjusting his tackling style, then he has no one to blame but himself.

I don't think Troy is going to change that is what has made him in the nfl. So why would he change his tackling style now.

[steelreserve]

The beginning of the end of our Troy. Hope he is around for at 2 more rings, but I'd rather see him retire healthy than retire worse.

He'll be fine. For all the big hits he's involved in, DBs still make contact less often than most other players on the field. Linemen and LBs probably get like 20 concussions a game without realizing it, which is where the real danger is if you ask me.

[SteelerEmpire]

Just wrap em up and bring em to the ground Troy. Or just concentrate on making interceptions...

[The WH]

I don't think Troy is going to change that is what has made him in the nfl. So why would he change his tackling style now.

I don't know....maybe the desire to not end up in a wheelchair drooling on himself by the age of 40?

[Galax Steeler]

I don't know....maybe the desire to not end up in a wheelchair drooling on himself by the age of 40?

I know what you are saying but the way he plays is what makes Troy. He is different then any other saftey in the league and that is why Troy is Troy.

[The WH]

I completely agree. 100%. I wouldn't really want him any other way, but I don't want to see his kids grow up without a daddy.

[HometownGal]

It is not always easy to consciously change styles for someone who plays so instinctively and with 100% intensity in game situations.

Just sayin.

Exactly.

[BlacknGoldBabe]

It's difficult to imagine the Steelers' defense without him. Hopefully he won't be going anywhere any time soon!

[Moose]

I agree that Troy isn't going to change his style of play---that's what makes Troy- Troy. But, if this organization would start to get some damn CB's that are worth anything at all, then Troy wouldn't have to run all over and try to make plays. He has to cover from the left side to the right side, from deep plays to line plays all because we don't have anyone to cover a damn WR's worth a crap !! Sorry....just my opinion !

[BlacknGoldBabe]

Moose, I'll second that wholeheartedly. Troy needs someone who can pick up the coverage WITH him.

[SteelerEmpire]

Since Clark is the hardest hitter of the two anyway and has a harder head (lol), make Clark the SS and Troy the FS for a while. That would eliminate a lot of tackling Troy would other wise have to make and increase the number of interceptions for the team.

[Moose]

Still doesn't solve the problem of when opponents WR catch the ball, our CB's are either 10yrds ahead, behind or off to the side of the receiver....which means Troy has to chase them down to make the tackle because our CB was wiffed !! LOL

[steel striker]

I think troy will be troy making those type of tackles but, maybe not when the wr is 6-5 260lbs. Just wrap him up and, like Ben will always be Ben. I'm still concerned about troy he still is an amazing player.