It has just been announced that Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu has been named the AP NFL Defensive Player Of The Year. Polamalu played in 14 games this year for the Steelers where he recorded 63 total tackles. He also lead the team with 7 interceptions and chipped in 1 sack that happened to result in a fumble against the Baltimore Ravens back in week 13. The sack fumble resulted in the game winning touchdown for the Steelers and allowed the Steelers to take sole possession of the AFC North.
Polamalu intercepted Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, and former USC teammate, twice just one week later and returned one back for a touchdown injuring his ankle in the process. The injury forced Polamalu to miss the next two games, but he returned for the season finale against the Browns. Most of the big plays Polamalu made this year, came at crucial points of games during the season and he is well deserving of the award. Off the field Polamalu has also been active with TwitChange, a movement to bring celebrities and fans together in a loud, fun way on Twitter to bring awareness and financial support to charitable causes that change the world.
Polamalu garnered 17 of the 50 votes. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews finished 2nd with 15 votes, while Steelers linebacker James Harrison finished 3rd with 8 of the 50 votes. Ravens free safety Ed Reed received just 1 vote.
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