Troy Polamalu gets his hair insured for $1 million

Troy Polamalu's hair, which has long covered his head and his shoulders, is now insured for $1 million courtesy of Head & Shoulders, the company announced Monday.

The NFL star's hair -- a tribute to his Samoan heritage -- has been in the media spotlight since his college days playing defense for the USC Trojans. Now playing safety for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, Garden Grove native Polamalu has a deal to endorse the shampoo. Hey, it ain't exactly Old Spice, and the protection isn't close to the $153-million policy on soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo's entire lower body, but who's counting?

We can only imagine the type of football play that would jeopardize a big, strong guy's full head of hair.

On second thought, let's not imagine that.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Troy Polamalu talks with a Steelers teammate during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions in Pittsburgh on Aug. 14. Credit: Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press

The Ministry keeps its eye on professional athletes -- check out the dishy headlines.

Comments

[All-Hallows-Eve]

I can't imagine being in a pile up with that mop in my face. Yuck. He should cut that crap off. So what, he thinks it's "pretty"?

I miss the days when hair was not seen hanging out from under the helmets. I am far from an ultra conservative, but I just think it looks sloppy, and unattractive.

IMO any time a uniform is involved, uniform personal hygiene and standards should accompany it. If the players don't like it, they can find another profession.

It's no longer about the team. It's now about he players with the "me, me, me" attitudes and the 15 seconds they spend tooting their own horn as they dance and makes signs of the cross while they kneel in prayer in the end zone - makes me want to gag. I'm SO sick of it.

I wish the team owners had the guts to enforce stricter rules on their players - like they once did.

They get paid plenty to NOT whine about their individuality.

[Michael Kligerman]

That guy needs to start helping people with his money and stop spending it all on his hair.

[MM]

@All-Hallows-Eve Did you not read the article? He wears it for his Samoan heritage - not because he thinks it's "pretty." Idiot.

[jeffe]

Future fat bald guy,

[tim]

He might be doing it for the Samoan Heritage,but that is over doing it.Is there really a face in that mop?

[maduceone]

I'm grateful that this is not in the sports section. A lot of non-Polynesian NFL players have emulated Polamalu's hairdo over the past few years. Maybe they were hoping that some of Polamalu's go for broke style would rub off on them if they simply didn't cut their hair (sort of an Old Testament approach). Or maybe they believed hair growth would replace the weight room. Polamalu hasn't cut his hair in 8 years - I heard that on ESPN last night (I think). Straight out of the shower, TP looks like a haystack. I see no way that hair could fit into a conventional football helmut. Troy! Listen up! Shave your head and SELL every strand (yes, one-by-one) to worshipful high school players as a mojo that will insure strength and fierce spirit - big bucks, in case there is a lock-out next season!

[michael maletto]

Why be jealous?? He was born that way God bless him,,, Besides He's one of the greatest defense players of all times and I have 52 yrs of watching pro and college ball!!

[pitt fan]

I can't picture the Steelers without seeing that hair.

[Pauly Parret]

I think this is awesome. That commercial all over ESPN with him was hilarious!

[idontgetit]

Someone sounds bitter for no good reason. So much for respecting someone's culture.

[monica]

I don't watch football but if he wants to have long hair, let him. he is not hurting anyone!!!!

[bighousenurse]

When all this hair worship of his has lost interest, maybe he will think about donating it to Locks of Love. I'm sure that they can make at least 3 wigs out of his hair.

[All-Hallows-Eve]

MM:

YOU are the idiot if you think I'm not aware of the history behind the hair. I was aware of that before I posted my comment. Ever heard the word 'facetious'?

IMO, long hair still has no business in a uniform, any more than a on-the-job hijab. I'm entitled to that.

Don't assume people who object are jealous michael maletto (MM). That's absurd and laughable.

[John]

This is a very clever hair ad that is getting lots of free air time. A few thoughts: (1) this only cost H&S a few bucks in premium, because the bright people at Lloyd's know there is precious little that is going to cause $1m in damage (e.g. lost profits) to H&S as a result of something happening to TP's hair. (2) Don't be a hater All-Hallows-Eve, his hair might not look like Unitas's, but be assured this player is old school and humble. Every defensive great still living, from Butkus to Mean Joe would tell you this guy plays the game right, and that he is the ultimate team-first player. (3) TP and his wife are active in many charitable causes, and have set up their own charity in honor of her grandfather, a WWII vet, to help injured Iraq war veterans.

[All-Hallows-Eve]

@John

In order to have an opinion, I must be a hater?
In order to be against same sex marriage, one must be a homophobic.
In order to be anti Republican, one must be a liberal and vise-verse.

Blah, blah, blah
Whatever, deal with it.

Keep your childish labels to yourself.

I wasn't assassinating his character and I am fully aware of how he plays football. At 50, I no longer give a rat's fanny if others dislike my opinion.

What I don't understand IS, why do people take comments that aren't directed at them so PERSONALLY? People get freakin' bent out of shape when someone's opinion doesn't coincide with theirs. What the hell??

People in general are rude and disrespectful to their fellow man - then choose to be "sensitive"??? Give me a break.

[Loves locks]

Troy's hair is unbelivably beautiful. The only people who say he needs to cut it are jealous. I happen to be a physician and my hair is so long that I am sitting on it. My ability to perform my job has nothing to do with the length of my hair. Those who judge others based on their appearance are just ignorant. If I'm not mistaken, Troy's the best safety in the league, so I don't believe his hair is affecting his performance on the field. If you're not the best at what you do, instead of criticizing others, work at perfecting your craft.