Troy Polamalu

We found out last week that Polamalu has played his last snap, so this is just a procedural move by the Steelers. The eight-year Pro Bowler helped Pittsburgh win two Super Bowls during his 12-year career.

At age 33, Polamalu is finally calling it quits. In his prime he was one of the best safeties in the game, but has dealt with nagging injuries in recent years that have kept him off the field. He will finish his Hall of Fame career with 771 tackles, 32 interceptions and 12 sacks. Polamalu had a knack for the big play and will go down as one of the more memorable defensive players. Family played a huge role in Polamalu's decision, so more power to him for being able to walk away on his own terms. The Steelers will now look to replace Polamalu, though that will be easier said than done.

Polamalu is still the face of the Steelers defense that has had to make some changes this off-season and will continue to make. Dick LeBeau is no longer the DC and they've moved on from guys like James Harrison and Brett Keisel. They don't want to cut Polamalu so they are hoping that the veteran opts to retire after a 12-year career.

Troy Polamalu is a proud man and the report is that he will not let the Steelers release him, he'll just retire from the NFL. His play over the past few seasons has declined and Pittsburgh just can't pay $8.25 million for that kind of production. The Steelers 2013 fourth-round draft pick Shamarko Thomas seems to be the heir apparent to Polamalu.