NFL star Troy Polamalu, 33, of the Pittsburgh Steelers has retired after 12 seasons. Explaining his retirement, he did mention Christ's death at the age of 33.
In a phone interview with Jim Wexell of Scout, Polamalu referred to his age to explain his retirement from NFL. He said, "Thirty-three is obviously significant because of Christ being 33; and 12 years, 12 apostles."
While he pointed out that he is not at all superstitious, Polamalu said he always thought that if he played 12 years, retire from football at 33 and give his life, body and blood to the game, it would be "a pretty significant landmark" in his life."
Currently living in Pittsburgh, Polamalu said since the end of the NFL season, he has had a chance to enjoy his family on a level he never had before. He remarked, "It was awesome."
Polamalu said that his retirement from the NFL is "all about family" although his wife Theodora did not ask him to retire. After his retirement, he will "make up for lost time," which is with his family.
A four-time first-team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, Polamalu has played in 158 regular-season games, 15 playoff games and three Super Bowls with a record of two championships won, four touchdowns scored, seven fumbles recovered, 13 fumbles forced, 35 passes intercepted and 710 tackles.
After the official announcement of Polamalu's retirement, Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II told NFL Network that Polamalu is "a unique player."
"His personality on the field was about as opposite as it could be off the field," Rooney said of Polamalu.
Also known as the NFL star with a trademark long and curly hair, Polamalu appeared in several Head And Shoulders shampoo commercials. Watch one of his commercials here: