Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has never been much for the voluntary portion of the offseason calender.
Polamalu usually spends the offseason working out in California, but he decided to change things up this year. With James Farrior, Aaron Smith and Chris Hoke all gone from the team, coach Mike Tomlin told Polamaul that it was important for him to be at Organized Team Activities this week. Polamalu agreed.
“For obvious reasons, we had some major leadership leave, people who we can count on, and I think it is nice for the young guys to see a familiar face,” Polamalu said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “It is nice to be around the team and nice to get out and play some football. I am here to support all my teammates.”
Polamalu said the he doesn’t see himself as a vocal team leader, although longtime teammate Larry Foote disagreed with that assessment. Whatever his style, there’s no doubt that Polamalu is a leader of the Steelers defense and that their need for his leadership will be higher than ever after this offseason of change. Coming to OTAs is a good sign that Polamalu embraces that role and plans to be whatever the Steelers need him to be this year.