Fifteen years ago, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu made a highlight-reel interception that still amazes to this day.
On Nov. 16, 2008, the Steelers were hosting the San Diego Chargers at a snowy Heinz Field. Early in the first quarter, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers dropped back and sent a pass intended for receiver Vincent Jackson. But Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor tipped it, and Polamalu came diving in for the ball.
Polamalu was able to just sneak his hand under the ball, tip it up a little and pull it into his body before attempting a return.
Even Steelers announcer Bill Hillgrove thought it was incomplete, in the call here:
This day in #PGHistory: At Heinz Field, Troy Polamalu pulls off a diving, one-handed interception, as the Steelers defeat San Diego 11-10. (2008)
Pittsburgh’s defense was able to get 2 picks, 2 sacks and a safety, while limiting a high-powered Chargers offense to only 10 points. pic.twitter.com/LTRV4e4mOY
— Pittsburgh Clothing Company (@PGHClothingCo) November 16, 2018
It was one of seven interceptions that season for Polamalu, who retired after the 2014 season. The Steelers, of course, went on to beat the Chargers again in the playoffs on their way to winning their sixth Super Bowl.
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“Many plays in the regular season add up to a playoff run that oftentimes leads to a Super Bowl run,” Hillgrove recalled in a 2019 interview. “It was the greatest interception I ever saw.”
In the waning seconds of the game, Polamalu scored a defensive touchdown that was ultimately wiped out. An incorrect instant replay reversal scrapped the 12-yard touchdown, leading to a lengthy explanation from the NFL.
Incidentally, the 11-10 final score was the first time that happened in 12,837 NFL games, according to the Associated Press.
