Welcome back buddy. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

When Coach Tomlin gave his weekly press conference Tuesday afternoon he left off three key Steelers from the injury list; Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, and Rashard Mendenhall.  It seemed almost too good to be true.  In fact, I didn’t even want to believe it until after the three went through consecutive days of practice.  As of Thursday afternoon, all three have fully participated in two consecutive days of practice and there is nothing but green lights ahead for each to join their teammates on the field Sunday afternoon against the Eagles. Will these three playmakers prove to be the difference maker for the Steelers pulling themselves back from under .500? (more…)

Your top ranked Steeler of 2012, Troy Polamalu. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The NFL Network completed their annual ranking of the top 100 players of the previous season this week, as voted on by the players themselves.  Not surprising Aaron Rodgers was voted #1 overall by the players, with Tom Brady dropping to #4.  So where did our Black & Gold find themselves among the 100?  There were 6 Steelers named on the entire list.  The highest ranking belonged to Troy Polamalu at 19 with LaMarr Woodley ranking the lowest of the Steelers selected at 63.  Naturally, each member of Steeler Nation is going to have gripes about who didn’t make the list and where the Steelers ranked.  I can’t believe Ben was ranked at #30 myself but let’s review the highlights of the players who did make the list. (more…)

Troy Polamalu is the best defensive player in the NFL.  Some might dispute that but they would be wrong.  In 2008, James Harrison was Defensive Player of the Year.  Last season, he hardly missed a snap.  Yet that same defense went from being one of the all-time greats to being fairly terrible primarily because one unit had Troy and the other did not.

When you’re more important than the DPOY, you have to be the best.

The sight of those flowing locks waving as he hones in on the ball carrier like a heat seeking missile is quickly becoming an iconic image.   A sight I’m sure every member of Steeler Nation hopes to see in sixteen games this season.  Damn you, Madden, and your vile curse.

In what is one of the most unusual publicity stunts in recent memory, Head & Shoulders has taken out a one million dollar insurance policy on Troy’s hair.  Now, I know some might think, “What the hell?”  It actually makes sense if you crunch the numbers.  His shampoo contract probably pays in the high six figures.  Other commercial deals probably net him a few bucks more.  Even though he’s a great player, his unique look is a major part of his marketing appeal.

In other words, chicks dig the hair.

Besides, insurance policies on body parts aren’t uncommon.  College athletes insure their arms or legs in case some catastrophic injury costs them a professional career.  Celebrities and models take them out, too.   Singers insure their voices.  Professional wrestlers insure their bodies.  JLO has even insured her ass for $27 million.  Yes, somebody has a twenty-seven million dollar rump.  I’d be afraid to sit down.   And why one insures their behind, I’m not sure.  Nobody has ever had their butt removed due to complications from bootyliciousness, have they?

Then again, I’m not sure how Troy’s insurance policy works either.  Is there a time limit?  Does he have to try a course of rogaine before any benefits are paid out?  Is he covered against male pattern baldness?

If so, Terry Bradshaw should’ve taken out a similar policy years ago.  He would’ve made a mint.