Troy Polamalu: Retires From NFL

Polamalu has decided to retire from the NFL after 12 seasons, the Herald-Standard reports.

Analysis:

Polamalu -- who recorded 61 tackles in 12 games last season -- has had a highly-decorated career for the Steelers, making eight Pro Bowls and earning four first-team All-Pro honors, playing in 158 games over the course of his career. In addition to that, he accumulated 710 tackles, 35 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, while playing in three Super Bowls. The Steelers will have a tough time replacing the veteran safety's presence and leadership defensively, but per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Polamalu's retirement is slated to clear $3.75 million in salary cap room for the team in 2015.