Steelers Legendary Safety Troy Polamalu Gives Praise To New Draft Pick Troy Fautanu

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently selected former Washington Huskies OT Troy Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Fautanu proved himself at Washington as a very capable offensive lineman. He started every game in his junior year at left tackle and also won the Morris Award, which is given to the Pac-12's top lineman. Recently during an interview with WTAE, Steelers legend Troy Polamalu had many praises for Fautanu.

"Carries himself with humility and plays with a lot of passion and violence, so I think that's one thing the Steelers are going to be excited about," Polamalu said about Fautanu.

Fautanu mentioned growing up watching the Steelers and wanting to play for the team. He listed Polamalu as his main inspiration. Not only do they share a name, but heritage as well; both are Polynesian. Fautanu's "passion and violence" helped lead Washington to a Pac-12 Championship game victory and a National Championship appearance. He also was able to help his team be awarded number one offensive line in the nation. Being a former Steeler, passion and grit are some of Polamalu's core values when it comes to football. 

Fautanu showed grit after college at the NFL Combine where he was rated as the 3rd overall offensive tackle and 2nd most athletic. Fautanu also ran a quick-for-a-lineman, 5.01 40-yard dash. Polamalu also responded to being an inspiration to Fautanu by saying he was humbled. Fautanu has also been expressing his excitement of playing for the Steelers since he was drafted. 

What Does Troy Fautanu Bring To The Steelers O-line? 

Fautanu has shown himself to be extremely talented at both run and pass blocking. He allowed a mere two sacks in two seasons with over 1,161 pass blocking snaps. Fautanu has a smaller frame for an offensive tackle, standing at 6'4" and weighing in at 317 pounds. His smaller frame often helps him be more centered however, and as a result, winning many of his blocking matchups. 

Fautanu also brings day one excitement and has been very adamant in his passion for football, along with his readiness to play for the Steelers. 

What Effect Did Troy Polamalu Leave On The Steelers?

It's no question that Polamalu was a legend, not only in Pittsburgh, but in all of professional football. Polamalu's career spanned from 2003-2014. In that time, he was an eight-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champion, and became a Hall of Famer. Polamalu's stats speak for themselves while being impressive and showing his harsh influence on Pittsburgh. In his career, he accumulated 783 total tackles, 12 sacks, 32 interceptions, and 5 total defensive touchdowns, showing extreme skill and determination throughout his career. 

Polamalu would also help influence many other Polynesians to make a career out of pro football. Jesse Sapolu was a center for the San Francisco 49ers before creating the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame which Polamalu was inducted into in 2016. Former Steelers wide receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster is also a Polynesian football player who Polamalu helped pave the way for.  

Will Fautanu have success as a Pittsburgh Steeler? How will he improve the trenches in the Steel City? Let us know with a