Polamalu, Wilson help redefine safety position
January 29
East Valley Tribune
"They used to be known as the last line of defense.
Now, safeties such as Troy Polamalu and Adrian Wilson are much more. They are ball hawks, pass rushers and run-stoppers.
In the NFL, safeties are in, and these two are big reasons why.
Polamalu and Wilson are soft-spoken, humble types who credit other elite safeties for raising the position's profile. But make no mistake: They are two defenders whose versatility has helped redefine the position.
TROY POLAMALU
The Pittsburgh safety is a whirling dervish; the Cardinals probably have to account for the presence of Polamalu - and his high-flying hair -- all over the field more than any other player.
Polamalu, who was born in Santa Ana, Calif. and attended high school in Oregon, is of Samoan descent. He embraces the role of serving as a model for young people from Samoan and Polynesian backgrounds.
"I think every athlete realizes that, whether it's their family, their faith or their culture, when they step onto the field, they represent something," Polamalu said.
"There are not many big Samoan players who have a shot of really making the Super Bowl and getting that type of prestige. It's really an honor."
Arizona fans probably first noticed him at USC, where he played from 1999-2002.
Nationally, fans know him mostly by the long, flowing hair that he says has become "like an extra appendage."
"Sometimes I wish I could go without it," said Polamalu, who added that it's a "dead give-away" for his identity when he's out in public.
But that's just it; it's part of his identity.
Opponents know him by his unpredictable whereabouts on the field.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, who faced him in practice for years when he was offensive coordinator for the Steelers, said, "I have been frustrated with Troy many, many times going against him. He is all over the field.
"We have to be very disciplined about knowing where Troy is.
"The biggest thing with Troy is underestimating his ability to make a play on the ball from the line of scrimmage. … He is a big part of why that defense is so potent."
ADRIAN WILSON
In Arizona, Wilson has been a quasi-linebacker for years, rushing the passer and stuffing the run.
He has had an often brilliant career, marred only by penalties (though this really hasn't been a problem this season).
He has 18.5 sacks and 18 interceptions for his career, meaning he should end up as one of the few players ever to go 20-20 for their careers.
More than this, Wilson represents the resilience of the Cardinals and their fans.
He's the "senior Cardinal" having been with them since 2001. He stuck with them through the lean years, in part because he didn't think"
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