Steelers notebook: Week before Hall of Fame induction, Troy Polamalu tests covid positive

Eight days before his scheduled induction ceremony into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Troy Polamalu revealed he has tested positive for covid-19.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers star broke the news in a message posted to social media Friday. Polamalu, 40, indicated he is symptom-free.

A safety who played 12 seasons for the Steelers, Polamalu was elected to the 2020 Hall of Fame class in his first year of eligibility. The coronavirus pandemic postponed the Canton, Ohio-based ceremony until this summer. Polamalu is scheduled to speak 10th among the 12 inductees in his class.

A message posted to Polamalu’s verified Twitter account read: “Fam, I recently tested positive for the Covid-19. Thank God I feel great and family are well. I’m working with the HOF to ensure we abide by all protocols to make it to Canton in time for all the festivities…”

Fam,
I recently tested positive for the Covid-19. Thank God I feel great and family are well. I’m working with the HOF to ensure we abide by all protocols to make it to Canton in time for all the festivities…

— Troy Polamalu (@tpolamalu) July 30, 2021

A California native, Polamalu lives on the west coast. A statement released by the Hall of Fame said the organization is “working with health officials” to see if Polamalu will be permitted to travel to Ohio and attend enshrinement festivities Aug. 7.

“We are disappointed for Troy right now and pray for his quick recovery with no complications,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement released Friday. “We’ll work with him to make sure he’s honored as an enshrinee the way he should be – and that’s mindful of others in the Centennial Class, fans and everyone else in attendance. He had an incredible football career and will have an equally incredible career as a Hall of Famer.”

Polamalu joined four-time Super Bowl-winning safety Donnnie Shell and former coach Bill Cowher as Steelers representatives in the 2000 induction class; guard Alan Faneca and scout Bill Nunn were elected for enshrinement in 2021. That ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 8.

An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro pick, Polamalu was on three Steelers teams that advanced to the Super Bowl, including the 2005 and 2008 champions. The 2010 AP NFL defensive player of the year, Polamalu was named to the 2000’s NFL all-decade team.

On the mic

For the second year in a row, coach Mike Tomlin stood near the visiting sideline at the east end of the field and, with players flanked on each side of him, made an address over the stadium PA system.

This time, Tomlin’s message was heard by fans permitted inside Heinz Field.

Tomlin’s speech in 2020 was streamed live but was done in front of an empty stadium because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year, with several thousand fans in the seats for the annual Friday night practice, Tomlin did a repeat performance.

In his address, Tomlin thanked fans for attending and repeated the organization’s social justice platforms that began in 2020 amid social unrest in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death.

“We stood here 12 months ago to make a commitment to be positive contributors to a more perfect union,” he said. “Twelve months later, we affirm that commitment.”

Tomlin said it was a collective decision to have him address the crowd this year.

“We are appreciative of our blessings and the platform that we have,” he said after practice. “We just want to reaffirm our position and commitment to being positive contributors to our community and utilize our blessings and resources to do so.”

Injury report

The only injury Tomlin reported from the night practice was to outside linebacker Cassius Marsh, who “limped off” before the conclusion.

Getting the day off were quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. Sitting out with injuries were wide receiver Cody White, running back Jaylen Samuels, tackle Zach Banner and Ebron.

Center J.C. Hassenauer still is wearing a sleeve on his injured left leg, but he did some individual work and practiced snaps with Dwayne Haskins. Offensive linemen Chuks Okorafor and Kevin Dotson did some individual work.

Returning to practice after getting the day off Thursday were cornerback Joe Haden and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram.

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