Risky business: Polamalu's concussions could be a concern

[Gunzlingr]

By Joe Starkey
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, May 1, 2003

Not every potential Steelers draft pick is ordered to visit a neurological surgeon, but the team had hard-hitting USC safety Troy Polamalu undergo a neurological exam a few weeks before last weekend's NFL Draft.

That was because of Polamalu's extensive concussion history. He has sustained at least five concussions since his freshman year in high school, including three during his career at Southern Cal.

Steelers neurological surgeon Dr. Joseph Maroon determined that Polamalu had sustained no lasting damage and was fit for the NFL. The team proceeded to make Polamalu the highest-drafted safety in franchise history (16th overall).

The question is, does Polamalu's history make him vulnerable to more concussions? Medical studies suggest the possibility. Dr. Mark Lovell is the director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and the person who oversees neuropsychological testing programs for the NFL.
FULL STORY (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_132010.html)

[The_Philster]

First round draft choice Troy Polamalu continued to rest his sore hamstring and mostly watch practice Monday when the Steelers resumed their offseason drills at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex on the South Side.

Don't expect much from the team's rookie safety at this minicamp, the last gathering until the Steelers report to training camp at St. Vincent College on July 25. ...

more (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_138909.html)

[BillsFever]

Steelers first-round pick Troy Polamalu was a no-show Friday.
"He's obviously unsigned," Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said.

Colbert attributed Polamalu's absence mostly to his draft status.

The safety from Southern California was the only Steelers' draft choice not to come to terms and make it to St. Vincent College by yesterday's 6 p.m. reporting deadline.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/sports/steelerslive/s_146579.html

[Cntrygal]

Hmm... after revisiting some of these old threads... maybe there's more to it.....

[BillsFever]

The Pittsburgh Steelers reached agreement Monday afternoon with first-round draft choice Troy Polamalu, a standout safety from Southern California, and a player that the team coveted enough to make a rare move up in the opening round.

Polamalu, 22, will sign a four-year contract that includes a one-year option. The deal is worth $8.275 million, provided the Steelers exercise the option, and there the total of the initial signing bonus and second-tier option bonus is $5.26 million.

The 16th prospect chosen overall, Polamalu flew to Pittsburgh late Sunday night as his agent and the Steelers drew closer in negotiations. The last of the Steelers five choices to come to contract terms, Polamalu missed the opening of camp.

Regarded as one of the top safety prospects of the last several years, Polamalu will begin camp as the backup strong safety, behind veteran Mike Logan, but should quickly vie for playing time. The Steelers suffered through subpar safety play throughout the '02 season, and wanted Polamalu badly enough to move up 12 spots in the first round, in a trade with Kansas City, to ensure they landed him

http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/pasquarelli_len/1586523.html