THE 50-YARD LINE

As your Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to play their home, and perhaps, season finale Sunday against the Cleveland Clowns, many Steelers fans can't help but wonder if it will be their last opportunity to see SS Troy Polamalu donning the black-n-gold. Congrats to Troy for making his eighth Pro Bowl, but is it enough for the Steelers to keep him? Troy will turn 33 in April. 2014 is the final year of his contract and it will be for $8.25 million. #43 recently told the media that he intends to honor his contract, feeling he still has something left in the tank. Many would agree as he is currently third on the Steelers with 65 total tackles. He has also forced five fumbles this season, two sacks and is tied for the Steelers lead with 2 interceptions and 12 passes defensed. The Steelers may try to have the 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year take a cut in pay. They could sight the fact that although Troy has played in every game this season, he's only played one entire season since 2009. Others may say that despite the gaudy statistics, Troy hasn't always played up to the high level of expectation. His inconsistent play could be due to the fact that he was required to line up at inside linebacker for much of the season due to the absence of Larry Foote. Call Mrs. Black-N-Gold a Troy-apologist if you must, but I feel the Steelers can still get a lot of quality football out of Troy Polamalu. If they are able to get it at a reduced price, all the better. As it stands, the Steelers aren't likely to re-sign FS Ryan Clark and they don't have enough depth to be able to replace both of their safeties. And they surely don't have another Troy Polamalu waiting in the wings. So here I am, campaigning for Troy in 2014. Vote early and vote often. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!