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Troy Polamalu graduates from USC
ESPN.com news services
Updated: May 14, 2011, 11:23 AM ET
Study time is over for the NFL's reigning defensive player of the year.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, who was drafted in 2003 after his senior season at USC but hadn't earned his degree, has been awarded a bachelor's in history from the school.
Polamalu, a two-time All-American for the Trojans, took part with more than 1,000 master's and undergraduate students Friday morning in a commencement ceremony for USC's political science, international relations and history majors.
More than 6,000 people were in attendance for the the Shrine Auditorium event on the school's Los Angeles campus.
The student receiving the loudest cheer, though, was one of the oldest of the bunch: Polamalu, who was drafted 16th overall in 2003 by the Steelers.
"I'm officially a USC graduate!" the six-time Pro Bowler wrote on his website, troy43.com.
Polamalu, 30, returned to school this semester, using the NFL lockout as an opportunity to complete a long-term goal.
"I decided to finish what I started and walked that stage today not only because it was very important to me personally, but because I want to emphasize the importance of education, and that nothing should supersede it," Polamalu said.
Polamalu has been receiving treatment in Los Angeles for a foot injury sustained late last season. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he won't need surgery and should be fully healed in time for the start of training camp, assuming the NFL season starts as scheduled.
"The majority of top picks in the NFL get drafted before they complete their college education," Polamalu said on his website. "I truly love football and it's such an immense blessing and privilege as an athlete to be given the rare opportunity to use those talents at the highest professional level, but it's certainly not a replacement for an education."
Information from ESPNLosAngeles.com's Pedro Moura was used in this report.
ESPN.com news services
Updated: May 14, 2011, 11:23 AM ET
Study time is over for the NFL's reigning defensive player of the year.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, who was drafted in 2003 after his senior season at USC but hadn't earned his degree, has been awarded a bachelor's in history from the school.
Polamalu, a two-time All-American for the Trojans, took part with more than 1,000 master's and undergraduate students Friday morning in a commencement ceremony for USC's political science, international relations and history majors.
More than 6,000 people were in attendance for the the Shrine Auditorium event on the school's Los Angeles campus.
The student receiving the loudest cheer, though, was one of the oldest of the bunch: Polamalu, who was drafted 16th overall in 2003 by the Steelers.
"I'm officially a USC graduate!" the six-time Pro Bowler wrote on his website, troy43.com.
Polamalu, 30, returned to school this semester, using the NFL lockout as an opportunity to complete a long-term goal.
"I decided to finish what I started and walked that stage today not only because it was very important to me personally, but because I want to emphasize the importance of education, and that nothing should supersede it," Polamalu said.
Polamalu has been receiving treatment in Los Angeles for a foot injury sustained late last season. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he won't need surgery and should be fully healed in time for the start of training camp, assuming the NFL season starts as scheduled.
"The majority of top picks in the NFL get drafted before they complete their college education," Polamalu said on his website. "I truly love football and it's such an immense blessing and privilege as an athlete to be given the rare opportunity to use those talents at the highest professional level, but it's certainly not a replacement for an education."
Information from ESPNLosAngeles.com's Pedro Moura was used in this report.
Troy Polamalu's time well spent
May, 14, 2011 May 1412:09PM ET
By James Walker
Similar to his great instincts on the field, Pittsburgh Steelers safety and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu is staying two steps ahead during the lockout off the field.
While many players are scrambling and trying to figure out what to do with their free time, Polamalu returned to USC this semester and earned a history degree at his alma mater. Polamalu, 30, didn't complete all of his credits before being drafted by the Steelers in 2003 but utilized the lockout to do so eight years and two Super Bowl titles later.
"I decided to finish what I started and walked that stage today not only because it was very important to me personally, but because I want to emphasize the importance of education, and that nothing should supersede it," Polamalu said.
In addition to Polamalu, other AFC North players have found interesting ways to pass the time during this extended lockout, which started in March.
Steelers teammate Hines Ward is doing well on "Dancing With The Stars." Baltimore Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski registered two knockouts as a professional boxer, and Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco tried pro soccer and will ride a bull this weekend.
May, 14, 2011 May 1412:09PM ET
By James Walker
Similar to his great instincts on the field, Pittsburgh Steelers safety and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu is staying two steps ahead during the lockout off the field.
While many players are scrambling and trying to figure out what to do with their free time, Polamalu returned to USC this semester and earned a history degree at his alma mater. Polamalu, 30, didn't complete all of his credits before being drafted by the Steelers in 2003 but utilized the lockout to do so eight years and two Super Bowl titles later.
"I decided to finish what I started and walked that stage today not only because it was very important to me personally, but because I want to emphasize the importance of education, and that nothing should supersede it," Polamalu said.
In addition to Polamalu, other AFC North players have found interesting ways to pass the time during this extended lockout, which started in March.
Steelers teammate Hines Ward is doing well on "Dancing With The Stars." Baltimore Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski registered two knockouts as a professional boxer, and Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco tried pro soccer and will ride a bull this weekend.
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