TAMPA, Fla. — The last time Troy Polamalu confronted the Arizona Cardinals, his immediate pregame preparation was astonishing. Polamalu, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Pro Bowl safety, describes it simply as divine.
The Steelers were in Phoenix on Sept. 30, 2007 for a regular-season bout against the Cardinals. Polamalu rested as he was driven into the early morning for more than an hour to Florence, Ariz. Polamalu is a Greek Orthodox Christian. He journeyed to meet what he calls his Abbot Father Ephraim and to worship in a monastery. The services began at 3 a.m. MST and lasted until nearly 7 a.m MST. Then the trek back to Phoenix.
Then kickoff at 2:15 p.m MST.
“Some people might see that as a lot, but I saw it as a must, an opportunity to see my spiritual father,” Polamalu said. “I go there five to six times a year because that is where he is. This life that I struggle to live, I try to do so in the eyes of my spiritual father.”
His journey for worship and further understanding of his faith has taken him to Greece, Turkey and beyond. In fact, when coach Mike Tomlin took over the Steelers in 2007, Polamalu missed Tomlin’s first camp because he was abroad in his worship and studies. Tomlin understood then and he approved Polamalu’s Arizona excursion.
Read the rest here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story?campaign=ec0005&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true&id=09000d5d80e68a8d
[H/T: To tidbit on FB]
This Is Life!: Revolutions Around the Cruciform Axis 
Today’s Troy’s name day!
Holy St Tryphon, pray for Troy and the Steelers!
I went on here to poke some fun. I live in greater Pittsburgh but could never image myself cheering the Steelers on, my parishioners make fun of me, especially because I’m a Browns fan, but as such can I ever root for the Steelers?
But this story about Polamalou is awesome. The guy is amazing! Thanks for sharing
Oh great! With the SB win, you Steelers fans are going to be impossible to live with! (grin)
OK, I revise my prediction: The Cards by 3 in the last two minutes. sigh…. at least they played a very respectable game, even if God was on the Steeler’s side. 🙂
Man, that was a great game. I don’t think it gets much better than that.
I don’t know how many Samoan Orthodox there are in the world (probably not very many), but I do happen to have one in my parish, and he’s an amazing guy. I mean, the guy really, really loves God — you can just tell.
May their tribe increase!