The tributes are pouring in for Troy Polamalu, and deservedly so. For 12 years, he was head & shoulders (get it?) above his peers, frightening opponents with his relentless, all-over-the-field style of play at the safety position.
On Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers great announced his retirement.
The New York Jets, of all teams, should appreciate Polamalu's excellence and longevity. The Jets haven't had much of either over the past 12 years at safety, a period in which 19 players have started at least one game, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com.
Can you say "revolving door"?
The Jets have tried everything at safety -- old guys, young guys, high draft picks, low draft picks, brothers (the Landrys), you name it. Of the 19 players, only one -- one! -- was selected to the Pro Bowl. That was LaRon (Biceps) Landry, who made it in 2012, his one-and-done season with the Jets.
Polamalu made eight Pro Bowls in his career. That deserves a ceremonial wave of a Terrible Towel.
Just for laughs (or cringes), here they are, the unspectacular 19:
Kerry Rhodes (2005-09) -- 78 starts
Erik Coleman (2004-07) -- 45
Jim Leonhard (2009-2011) -- 40
Eric Smith (2006-12) -- 36
Dawan Landry (2013-2014) -- 30
Brodney Pool (2010-11) -- 18
Abram Elam (2007-08) -- 17
Yeremiah Bell (2012) -- 16
Reggie Tongue (2004) -- 16
Sam Garnes (2003) -- 16*
LaRon Landry (2012) -- 15
Calvin Pryor (2014) -- 11
Antonio Allen (2012-14) -- 11
Tyrone Carter (2003) -- 10
Jaiquawn Jarrett (2013-14) -- 7
Jon McGraw (2002-04) -- 7
Ed Reed (2013) -- 5
Dwight Lowery (2008-10) -- 3
David Barrett (2004-08) -- 1**
* Also started 16 in 2002
** Started 36 games at cornerback
