Troy Polamalu, the former professional football player who spent his entire 12-year career in the NFL, was born to his parents, Suila and Aoatoa Polamalu.
His mother, Suila, was a part of his life, and she played a significant role in Troy’s upbringing and career.
He grew up in a large family with five siblings, and he is the youngest among them.
Troy Polamalu is a former American professional football player known for his remarkable 12-year career as a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL.
Polamalu hails from Garden Grove, California, and attended Douglas High School in Winston, Oregon, where he made a name for himself in high school football.
Despite facing a season-ending injury in his senior year, he left an impressive mark on the field, showcasing his talent in multiple sports, including baseball and basketball.
Later, he played college football for the USC Trojans, receiving notable honors as a first-team All-American.
In the 2003 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round.
Throughout his career, he contributed significantly to the Steelers’ success, playing a vital role in their two Super Bowl championships.
Troy Polamalu Parents: Meet Father Aoatoa And Mother Suila
Polamalu, with his roots in Garden Grove, California, comes from a family of Samoan heritage.
His mother, Sheila Polamalu, raised him and his siblings as a single parent, as his father left the family when Troy was four years old.
Troy Polamalu’s father, Aoatoa, was a college football player. He made a name for himself in college football as the nose tackle for the 1986 Penn State team and even secured the national championship victory over Miami.
After he left his family, Suila and Troy’s older brother, Sakaio, faced troubles with the law and lived a tough life.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Troy and Sakaio found comfort in playing football together. They always played against each other.
Troy’s life took a turn when he spent three weeks with his aunt and uncle in Tenmile, Oregon when he was eight years old.
He was influenced by the positive environment and expressed his desire to live there permanently.
His mother sent him to live with his uncle, aunt, and cousins in Oregon when he was nine to protect him from the potential negative influences in Los Angeles.
Troy accredits his disciplined upbringing to his uncle, Salu, who played a crucial role in shaping his character.
Football Runs Into Polamalu’s Family
Polamalu comes from a football family. His father was a college football player who later pursued a different career path.
Similarly, his uncle, Kennedy Polamalu, from his father’s side, was a fullback for USC and contributed to the Trojans’ victory in the Rose Bowl in 1985.
After his playing career, Kennedy transitioned to coaching. Additionally, Polamalu’s cousin, Nick Sualua, played as a fullback at Ohio State. He played a key role in blocking for the Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George in 1995.
Therefore, with a multi-generational football heritage, Troy Polamalu brought immense pride to his family with his exceptional achievements on the football field.
