By Alan Robinson

Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Troy Polamalu confesses he has lied about the severity of a head injury to remain in a game.

Polamalu, who has a long history of concussions, also told “The Dan Patrick Show” on Wednesday he has remained on the field even after the Steelers' medical staff told him to leave.

The four-time All-Pro safety considers an injury to the head to be like that to a knee — if he can tolerate the discomfort, he's playing.

“It may be kind of messed up, but you just kind of push yourself to be out there with your brothers,” Polamalu said. “I wouldn't say there are any major lies where I totally lied my way out of concussions. In fact, during concussions, if it's serious enough, you can't even be conscious enough to lie.”

Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher also said after last season he would lie about a concussion to stay on the field. To Polamalu, a player's view of a concussion differs from the medical definition.

“I've had, I believe, eight or nine recorded concussions,” Polamalu told the radio show. “When you get your bell rung, they consider that a concussion. I wouldn't. ... If that is considered a concussion, I'd say any football player at least records 50 to 100 concussions a year.”

1. Coach Tomlin, Steelers facing plenty of questions as OTAs start
2. Steelers reach agreement with sixth-round pick Williams
3. Steelers might be looking at a youth movement in 2013
4. Steelers rookie moves on after PSU scandal
5. Ex-Steelers QB Batch learns new form of 2-minute drill
6. Steelers ink fourth-round pick Thomas to 4-year deal
7. Steelers thrilled to select Georgia LB Jones in 1st round
8. Steelers’ rookie defensive back Thomas doesn’t lack motivation
9. Steelers Hall of Famer Jack Butler dies at 85

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.