TROY POLAMALU IS AWESOME

This article in the Pittsburgh Catholic will make even you think so.

“I believe that I’m the same person on and off the field. I live my life with a passion and that includes how I play. Obviously, football calls for physical contact, but that’s just part of the game.”

To illustrate, he offers Jesus’ time on earth as an example.

“Look at the passion for life that he lived as portrayed in the Stations of the Cross — that fight that he had in him, as well as the love he shared with others. There’s no difference.”

Indeed, what sets Troy apart is his knack for keeping love at the center of his sport.

“Football, in general, has it backwards,” he said. “They think this inner anger, this hatred, is what drives football and becomes the physical aspect of the game. But love overcomes all things. My love to glorify God through my playing will far outweigh anybody’s hate for me.”

Like all of us, Troy has times of vulnerability and doubt — which is, in part, why he makes the sign of the cross before or after some plays. “I’m asking for God’s support in those moments — and in everything I do.”

Referring to Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews, Troy defines faith — particularly when we fumble in life — in a word: surrender. “It’s knowing in your heart that God will take care of you — which might mean going head-over-heels into a situation having 1 percent for you and 99 percent against you. We all have to struggle to overcome our adversities, no matter how long we’re in the desert.”

I wish I were even half as mature in my faith as this 24-year-old football player!