Polamalu calls it a career

Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pittsburgh Steelers great Troy Polamalu has decided to retire after 12 seasons.

Polamalu played his entire career with the Steelers, who selected him with the 16th overall pick in the 2003 draft. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl pick and a four-time All-Pro, the last coming in 2011.

"Since we drafted him in 2003, Troy Polamalu has been an outstanding player and person," said Steelers president Art Rooney II in a statement Friday. "On behalf of the entire Steelers organization and the Steelers Nation, I am happy to be able to publicly celebrate and thank Troy for his many contributions to the Steelers. His unique style of play will be remembered among the all-time Steelers. His passion for the game of football on the field and his willingness to be a contributor to the community make him a very special person."

Polamalu helped the Steelers win two Super Bowl titles. He played in 158 regular-season games, starting 142, and started each of the 15 postseason games he played for the storied franchise.

"Troy is a shining example of a football man in the way he loved the game, the way he respected the game and the way he played the game," said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. "It's a shining example of the window into who he is. He is a legendary Steeler and a legendary man. I congratulate him and wish him nothing but the best moving forward."

The 34-year-old USC product finished his career with 32 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, 12 sacks and five defensive touchdowns.