SB Nation Pittsburgh Editor's Pick

Troy Polamalu is a Wonderful Humanitarian

by Dr Del on Dec 16, 2010 12:59 PM EST

This is a story I want to share with my fellow BTSC members. This subject will make everyone reflect about what's really important in life. It has nothing to do with football but it is so much more important.

My beloved 14 year nephew is fighting the battle of his life in Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. He has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which is a very aggressive childhood cancer. It has been an extremely heartbraking journey. Nothing compares to seeing sick children with cancer.

One Friday afternoon, our family was told that a certain Pittsburgh Steeler comes up to the 9th floor every single Friday to visit the children who are cancer stricken. That Pittsburgh Steeler is Troy Polamalu. Mr. Polamalu arrives at the hospital very discreetly with no fanfare, cameras, or bodyguards. He is completely by himself as he ascends up to the 9th floor. He goes from room to room to talk with each and every sick child. He came into my nephew's room and hugged my sister and sat on the bed with my nephew. He never said a word about football. He found out my nephew's passion was fishing and they talked about it for 20 minutes. As he spoke with him, he was completely focused on him as if nothing else in the world mattered. There aren't enough adjectives to describe what a kind, caring,and compassionate person Troy is. He gives the children something to look forward to and most importantly he gives them hope. When I saw Troy so upset after last week's game, I couldn't believe his humility. He called himself selfish because he made a bad decision on the football field? Troy , I somehow hope you read this. You are the most UNSELFISH person that I have ever met in my life. Do not ever hang your head in shame. You are an asset to your faith, your family,your organization ,and your fans. Not only are you an outstanding player, you are a greater person. I can't thank you enough for giving your precious time to my nephew and all of the children. God Bless You

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Prayers for you and your nephew.....

..and thanks for confirming what everyone in Steeler Nation already knew or suspected about Troy.

There are many reasons for our pride in the Black and Gold. Nearly 40 years ago, Myron Cope would call certain Steelers to tell them that certain special kids at Children’s Hospital needed a little cheering up. Those stars would routinely ask Myron what to bring and when was the best time to visit. They’d show up with Steeler swag, and would spend time bringing hope and joy to those kids.

It is comforting to see that the tradition continues and that Troy Polamalu is using his talents – and his celebrity – to make Pittsburgh a better place. Though Troy is certainly doing so on his own, the Rooney family has stressed the importance of giving back to the community and the Nation that is so fiercely loyal.

Again, Dr Del, prayers for you and your nephew this holiday season.

I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson

by Homer J. on Dec 16, 2010 1:17 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Thoughts and prayers are with your nephew, your sister and your entire family!

by k7brown on Dec 16, 2010 1:45 PM EST reply actions

Man that is rough

My best friend died of a very similar cancer just after high school. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

Thoughts and prayers with your nephew and family Del.

"Stop being a troll." - Mr MaLoR

by John Stephens on Dec 16, 2010 1:45 PM EST reply actions

My prayers also go out to your family.

It’s good to hear about the great things that our players do. So often we hear the negative, but there are many positive things being done by NFL players that are overlooked.

Troy remains my hero. I love watching Ben play football, but dislike who he seems to be as a person. Troy is the best of both worlds. He’s my favorite player to watch + he is a wonderful person off the field.

by Chicago Steeler on Dec 16, 2010 1:59 PM EST reply actions

I'm not surprised at all by Troy's actions

But I’m very sorry for your nephew, and I’ll keep him in my thoughts and prayers. One of my grandmothers had cancer and is currently going through chemotherapy. Unfortunately, she just had to go back to the hospital in the middle of the second stage of treatment, and I think she might be close to the end. :’-(

Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte

As for CJ, he’s going to get his. That’s what he does. You can’t hold him under 100 yards, so forget that.
-August West

CJ's Stat Line, 9/19/10: 16 carries, 34 yards, 1 fumble

Cornell University Class of 2014

by LV Steelers Fan on Dec 16, 2010 2:15 PM EST reply actions

Im terribly sorry for your nephew thats so tragic i hate hearing about cancer, especially in children

Mr. Troy Polamalu is seriously my hero. Does that man have any flaws? The best strong safety to ever step foot on the gridiron and an absolutely fantastic human being. The fact that he does things like that so discreetly shows he is truly just a wonderful, wonderful person who truly cares, not just a player looking to get some good publicity. I love that man when Troy P retires it will be a sad, sad day for steeler nation. He has got to be my all time favorite player even before I knew about how good of a human being he is, people like him who are so talented and so down to earth are one in a billion.

by blitzzburgh on Dec 16, 2010 2:39 PM EST reply actions

Thank you to all for your thoughts and prayers....

Steeler Nation has no equals

by Dr Del on Dec 16, 2010 2:50 PM EST reply actions

I'm sorry to hear about your nephew

My prayers go to your and your family.

This is the reason why Troy is my favorite football player. Hands down.

"Did you really expect Joe to have it as easy as you think it would be against James "I want to stomp of your children’s testicles" Harrison and Lamar "I’ll kick your grandmother" Woodley? I sure as hell didn’t." - Malor

by tannofsteel84 on Dec 16, 2010 2:51 PM EST reply actions

This and...

by Chicago Steeler on Dec 16, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry to hear about your nephew

Thoughts and prayers to your nephew and your family.

"you will hardly know who I am or what I mean"-Walt Whitman

by Pittsblitz56 on Dec 16, 2010 4:58 PM EST reply actions

Dr Del

Having to watch a sick child, in the hospital is one of the toughest things in life. My family will pray for him!! Troy is the best.

by sleepingdog on Dec 16, 2010 5:38 PM EST reply actions

Truly one of the good guys in the league. The day 43 retires will be a sad day in Pittsburgh.

Best wishes to your family.

by 17PittsburghPride53 on Dec 16, 2010 9:06 PM EST reply actions

thanks for sharing Doc

Best wishes this holidays. That’s awful. Great story though.

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Dec 16, 2010 9:10 PM EST reply actions

He also does a lot for wounded veterans

The man is obviously a class act. I know that all pro football players are encouraged to give back to the community. Most of them pick a charity and give plenty of money. That is great. Some of them give their time but make sure the cameras are rolling. Also great, though a little self-serving. Troy really seems to go beyond the norm. That fact that he gives so unselfishly of his time and tries to do it without fanfare really makes him stand out. The guy is an inspiration, as well as a stud football player.

"We don't fix blame; we fix problems." Dick LeBeau, in an interview with Denver Sports Talk radio, March 2009

http://diaryofaplayoffbeard.blogspot.com/

by mantho on Dec 16, 2010 9:28 PM EST reply actions

2 Troy anecdotes

I have the NFL Network’s “America’s Game” from the Super Bowl XLIII team saved on my PVR for one scene. The cameras and narrator have zeroed in on Troy’s habit of crossing himself in prayer during games and he is asked what is he praying about during a game, to win? for safety? And he replies that there are a lot of dangers and temptations in pro football and he is praying to help protect himself from things like arrogance, ego, pride etc. I was blown away when I heard that!

And on my desk at work I keep a copy of one of Troy’s tweets from the summer which reads: Strive to live in such a way that the words “living” and “praying” are synonymous and interchangeable: a life where you cannot tell when prayers begin or end and your daily actions are but the humble words to a life-long prayer.

That’s profound stuff from anyone, let all alone an all-world pro athlete like Troy. Thanks for sharing this post – Troy’s on-field excellence is well-known and it’s interesting how his remarkable character and integrity is almost one of the NFL’s best kept secrets. I know when I was deciding what Steelers jersey to get, it was an easy decision.

by touchemalljoe on Dec 16, 2010 10:24 PM EST reply actions

outstanding comment

thanks

Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)

by Michael Bean on Dec 17, 2010 1:54 AM EST up reply actions

What a class act

Thanks for sharing this, my prayers will be with your nephew and your family

"Roethlisbeger didn't win those Super Bowls." (Pats fan)
"Did you watch XLIII?"
"No"
"Stop talking."

by Steeler fan of MN on Dec 17, 2010 12:21 AM EST reply actions

I sincerely hope your nephew makes it out of this tragic situation and is able to live a long, healthy, happy life.

I think most of us have been touched by that dreadful disease, I’ve lost many family members to various forms of cancer. I couldn’t even imagine having to watch a child endure such pain though, it’s heart breaking to say the least.

It’s refreshing to get a glimpse into what kind of man Troy is off the field, and I couldn’t be any prouder of the fact he wears the Steelers uniform. HOF player, but an even better man where it matters most.

by alistar7 on Dec 17, 2010 7:15 AM EST reply actions

Thoughts and prayers

going out for your nephew and your entire family Doc. Thank you for sharing.

"...and that you can print!.... Jeff Bebe "Almost Famous"

by OhioYinzer on Dec 17, 2010 11:39 AM EST reply actions

Great story. It breaks my heart to hear about your nephew and I wish him the best.

I am also not surprised about Troy in the least. My wife (who is from Japan and not Christian) often refers to him as Jesus. No offense to anyone, but she means it in the most complementary mannor. I have never heard of anyone else that walks the walk like #43… I posted this article to my facebook page, too. There are several videos of Troy’s exploits on the field, but this is even more special.

by RobertM on Dec 17, 2010 12:44 PM EST reply actions

uuhhhh

I am also not surprised about Troy in the least. My wife (who is from Japan and not Christian) often refers to him as Jesus. No offense to anyone, but she means it in the most complementary ~~mannor~~ manner. I have never heard of anyone else that walks the walk like #43… I posted this article to my facebook page, too. There are several videos of Troy’s exploits on the field, but this is even more special

by RobertM on Dec 17, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions

Good Post

My prayers are with you and yours

by jdlbc on Dec 17, 2010 5:31 PM EST reply actions

I forgot to add one point to my post. Of course he doesn’t travel with a body guard, cmon, first of all he is in Pittsburgh, secondly, who in their right mind would tangle with the tazmanian ‘devil’.

by alistar7 on Dec 17, 2010 5:35 PM EST reply actions

Make that the

Tazmanian Angel.

by RobertM on Dec 17, 2010 7:51 PM EST up reply actions

I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew

and will be praying for him and the rest of your family. Thanks for sharing this story.

"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin

by Rebecca Rollett on Dec 18, 2010 12:14 AM EST reply actions

Del, go and do this. Make sure to do it.

I came over to the blog—not by accident. Just do this and I am agreeing with you as you obey and do so. Do not worry on whether you are qualified or not, holy or not, deserve it or not. JUST GO DO AS I TELL YOU—-by faith. Jesus has qualified you today.

Go and lay your hand on your nephew and say this: "In the name of Jesus Christ, my dear nephew, I command you to be healed of any disease right now. Cancer, I command you to leave my nephew right now in the name of Jesus Christ. Aaamen.

Your nephew shall be healed and give God the glory. Holy Father do it in Jesus name. Aaamen.

by Jesus1000 on Dec 18, 2010 4:16 AM EST reply actions

thanks for the post

What a heartbreaking time your family is going through. I am so sorry to hear about a kid with cancer. I can’t think of anything more sad than that.

But it is nice to know that Troy P has a heart as big as his hair.

Peace and good health to you and your family in the coming new year.

by ImmaculatePerception on Dec 18, 2010 9:57 AM EST reply actions

My heart goes out to you Doc and my prayers, too

I believe in miracles and my greatest wish for you and your family is that your nephew receives one. God bless you all (and Troy, too)

HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."

by 1BlkGldFan on Dec 19, 2010 10:47 PM EST reply actions

Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family

Happy Holiday, trust in the Lord.

"I will not retire from the NFL. I will continue to play the game with the same passion, intensity and focus with which I have always played and let the chips fall where they may. I have never given up, quit or walked away from anything in my life and I am not about to start now. I will not let down my family, friends or the Steelers Nation."

by WARDANE33 on Dec 21, 2010 2:08 PM EST reply actions