Steelers’ Troy Polamalu Shares Hilarious Story About Not Knowing Who Justin Fields Was: 'I Met That Linebacker Over There'

The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves this offseason with several significant moves. However, none were more attention-grabbing than their trade for former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick. Adding to the offseason buzz, Steelers icon Troy Polamalu recently made an appearance on The Big K Morning Show to discuss his upcoming flag football event in Pittsburgh. 

Amidst the lively conversation, Polamalu couldn't contain his excitement regarding the Steelers' unconventional offseason maneuvers. He even regaled listeners with an anecdote about his initial encounter with Fields, recalling the amusing moment when he didn't recognize the rising star quarterback.

"I'm really excited for Justin and Russell [Wilson]. I actually met Justin Fields one time. And to be honest, I didn't know it was him. I was just like, ‘It's a football player, I want to say hi to him.’ But here's what's funny about it. When I left, I was like, ‘I met that linebacker over there.’ I pointed and [a friend] was like, ‘No, no, that's Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Bears. He's huge. These guys are different these days.’"

Another seismic shift in the offseason landscape for the Steelers unfolded when they secured the signature of Russell Wilson to a one-year deal, valued at the veteran minimum. The prospect of having both Wilson and Fields donning the black and gold sent waves of excitement rippling through the Steel City, and Polamalu was no exception. 

However, amidst the anticipation surrounding these quarterback acquisitions, Polamalu couldn't resist sharing a humorous anecdote about his initial misidentification of Fields as a linebacker—a testament not only to Fields' physical presence, but also to his versatility and athleticism.

Standing at an imposing 6' 3" and weighing in at 228 pounds, Fields is undeniably one of the NFL's premier athletes. While his prowess as a passer has occasionally come under scrutiny, with flashes of brilliance tempered by moments of interception woes, his sheer athleticism and agility on the field are truly awe-inspiring. In his career thus far, Fields has showcased his arm talent with 40 touchdown passes, albeit accompanied by 30 interceptions. 

Yet, it is his dynamic ability as a runner that truly sets him apart. When Fields takes off with the football in hand, his imposing stature and speed make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, leaving them scrambling to contain his electrifying rushes. As the Steelers gear up for the upcoming season, the prospect of Fields weaving his magic on the gridiron is enough to strike fear into the hearts of their adversaries.

Polamalu is eagerly anticipating the debut of both Wilson and Fields on the field in 2024. With the Steelers seemingly poised to unleash some strategic surprises, there's speculation that they might leverage Fields' remarkable athletic abilities to gain an edge. The possibility of seeing both Wilson and Fields sharing the field simultaneously has ignited a fervent discussion on social media, fueling excitement and anticipation among fans ever since the news broke.

Steelers' Quarterback Battle Isn't Set In Stone

The arrival of Wilson and Fields in the Steelers' quarterback room has ignited a frenzy of speculation regarding the impending quarterback battle and who will ultimately emerge victorious. Initially, when news of the Fields trade broke, reports swiftly surfaced indicating that Wilson was slated to assume the starting role, relegating Fields to the backup position. 

However, Mike Tomlin, in his remarks to the media in Orlando, hinted at a more fluid situation, emphasizing that while Wilson held the initial pole position, nothing was set in stone, and Fields would have ample opportunity to challenge for the starting job.

Tomlin's assertion that Wilson's appointment as the starter was a prudent initial step sparked a flurry of analysis from pundits, with many offering their insights and predictions. Among them, a significant contingent of analysts has voiced their belief that Fields possesses the talent and potential to surpass Wilson and claim the starting quarterback mantle for the Steelers. Against this backdrop of conjecture and anticipation, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between the two signal-callers, anxiously counting down the days until the kickoff of the 2024 season.