Pittsburgh Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu Retires

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Troy Polamalu's career now belongs to the ages.

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the star safety's retirement on Friday following a spectacular 12 seasons in the NFL that included eight Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro selections and two Super Bowl rings.

Polamalu's retirement was first reported by the Uniontown (Pa.) Herald-Standard.

Steelers chairman Dan Rooney called Polamalu "a tremendous leader" who helped guide the franchise through a six-year run that included three Super Bowl appearances and the team's fifth and sixth world championships.

Polamalu turns 34 later this month. He had two years remaining on his contract but questioned whether he could make the commitment necessary to play another season.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.