Hard, fast, and creative - but not dirty. That’s the characterization of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ play, and specifically that of safety Troy Polamalu - that all of us here in the ‘Burgh are hoping will carry our home team to victory this evening in Superbowl 43.

If the Steelers win tonight, it will be their 6th Superbowl Victory and due in no small measure to the effective play of Quarterback “Big” Ben Roethlisberger and Safety Troy Polamalu, both great sportmen as well as players. It will also make the Pittsburgh Steelers the first team in history to win six Superbowls. For a gal like me, who recalls from childhood the mantra “One for the Thumb in ‘81,” and who waited alongside other Steelers fans for 25 years for that fifth Superbowl victory, this is exciting stuff. The city is festooned in black and gold, tables are stacked with chips, I.C. Light and Mineo’s pizza. Let the game begin!

I am fortunate to be watching the game tonight in Polamalu’s neighborhood, where he lives in a modest home in keeping with his down-to-earth philosophy of life. Known for his choice to forego partying in favor of quiet time with his wife Theodora and their new baby, Polamalu is deeply religious (Eastern Orthodox Christian) and known for being one of the most cerebral players in the NFL. He is an acquaintance of members of my family who tell me he is unfailingly polite and a doting Dad who frequently breakfasts with his family at the local Bob Evans.
Known for his fast, hard, creative and clean play as well as his cascading hair, Polamalu, who is of Samoan descent, is a consummate sportsman. His number, 43, is auspicious, as this is Superbowl 43. Thinking Man, a day trader, student of the world, and armchair pundit whose insights included a prediction last spring of the present economic downturn, adds: “Years ago, in the 70’s, some of the Steelers were actually thought to play a little dirty. But that has changed.”

Thinking Man is joining most predictors in expecting the Steelers to win, but not by much–perhaps a seven point spread.

It looks good at the end of the first half, as Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison just intercepted a pass and ran like wildfire - amazing for a defensive player. I would not be so bold as to imagine that G-d is on our side, however, as we know he’s got more important work to do. But someone has to win tonight, and from what I hear it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy than Polamalu.

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