Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin, players pay tribute to Troy Polamalu's career

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu announced his retirement Thursday after 12 seasons. 

Polamalu was considered by many to be one of the greatest safeties of his generation alongside former Baltimore Ravens standout Ed Reed. 

After news broke of Polamalu's retirement, coaches and players alike paid homage to the 33-year-old. 

"Troy is a shining example of a football man in the way he loved the game, the way he respected the game and the way he played the game. It's a shining example of the window into who he is. He is a legendary Steeler and a legendary man. I congratulate him and wish him nothing but the best moving forward," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement on the Steelers' official website. 

Polamalu was drafted by Pittsburgh 16th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft out of USC. He contributed immediately and helped the Steelers capture two Super Bowls. 

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney released the following statement:

Last night I received a very important call from Troy Polamalu. He had a lot of nice things to say about the organization, and it was very sincere. He is a good, family man, which meant a lot to him. I think that's part of what he is going to do [moving forward]. But he's been a tremendous leader, really a leader by example, not only as a great football player but as a great person. He has influenced many people both on and off the field, which was really an important part. We've been fortunate to have great players throughout the years, but he of course would be one of the top players. He did everything with dignity and responsibility, and it was special to have Troy be a Steeler his entire career.

Many players also paid their respects to the Steelers' safety: