So Long 43

Two of the best safeties of all-time have played since we ticked over to 2000. Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. Reed retired last year. Polamalu retired Thursday night. You had to have access to All-22 film to truly appreciate Reed. His greatness often wasn't seen until he had the ball in his hands after an interception. Polamalu was often near the line of scrimmage. Always around the ball. You could find him everywhere. Sometimes he seemed as though he was everywhere at the same time.

12 seasons

8 Pro Bowls

4x 1st Team All-Pro

2x 2nd Team All-Pro

2010 Defensive Player of the Year

2000s NFL All-Decade Team

Steelers 75th Anniversary Team

2 Super Bowl titles

The accolades speak of a great NFL career but none of it comes close to describing the manner in which he played the game. No one has ever played safety like he did. He redefined how the position could be played. His instincts, reactions, and quickness allowed him to do things that no one had ever even thought of doing before. His film work and knowledge of opposing offenses supplemented nicely his instincts and athletic ability. He was already great. His work away from the field made him even better. All of it made a football player that was simply a joy to watch. Dashing around the field, hair flying, always around the ball. always knowing where the play was headed. Always knowing what the offense had in mind. 

The last 12 years of the NFL was better because Troy Polamalu was a part of it. He was one of the game's most exciting players. And he did it from the safety position. A position that has historically reacted to the action. Polamalu played the position differently because he created the action. He'll be honored in Canton in five years.

As great as he was on the football field it's been said by those that know him best that he was even better off the football field. Rich Eisen spoke of seeing Polamalu on the beach during Pro Bowl week playing football with children. Most of the NFL stars were relaxing around pools, playing golf, whatever. Polamalu was playing an impromptu game of football with a bunch of kids. Great football player. Great man.  

So long and thank you #43.