Revisiting Troy Polamalu's 1999-2002 USC career on his birthday

The birthday of Troy Polamalu is an excellent moment to remember the former Trojan great. From 1999 to 2002. As an upperclassman, he was selected as the USC captain twice and earned two first-team All-American distinctions. This included a consensus All-American honor his senior year. He also garnered an All-Pac-10 twice through his play on the field. 

Fans will remember him patrolling the secondary in his Cardinal and Gold #43 jersey. From forced fumbles, countless hard hits, and picking the ball off and going the other way, Polamalu made the most of his time at USC.

Pete Carroll's second year with the program saw Polamalu have a large role on the Trojan defense as the 2002 team finished with an 11-2 record. Their coaches and AP No. 4 ranking and Pac-10 co-champion resume earned them an Orange Bowl berth. USC would go on to defeat the No. 3-ranked Iowa in Miami. The Polamalu-led side of the ball didn't allow the Hawkeyes to score a touchdown in the 38-17 victory until the 0:34 mark in the fourth quarter. Though unclaimed by the university, numerous outlets named Pete Carroll's team the national champions that year.

When coming to pressure the quarterback or introducing himself to a receiver after catching a pass, the other team always felt Polamalu's presence. His football IQ and speed allowed him to always be in the right place. Then, as the play developed, his hustle and full-steam-ahead work rate made him instantly stand out on tape.

Distinguished, meaningful career with USC

In 35 games for USC, he picked the ball off six times and ran three back for touchdowns. His 281 tackles in college and further play on the field resulted in a number of awards. He was then drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 16th overall pick in the first round.

Among a number of honors, Polamalu was named to the Pac-12 All-Century Team, USC Athletics Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame, and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

For someone named Troy, believing in the divine selection of being called after the historical area synonymous with USC athletics, he was and continues to be an excellent representative for Trojans, on and off the field.