"First, you notice the hair, which spills long and thick around his face and onto his shoulder pads. It is a remarkable head of hair, like Rapunzel's, like Medusa's, like Samson's. It has made him a celebrity, and it has earned him endorsements, and it has served as the perfect hiding place for the most humble superstar in sports.

Hair, however, is not what makes Troy Polamalu special.

Later, you will notice his accomplishments, which grow more bright and glistening every day. He has Super Bowl rings for his fingers, and a half-dozen Pro Bowls in his past, and a new defensive player of the year award. His honors have made him famous, and they have won him respect from his peers and admiration from his public.

Honors, however, are not what make Polamalu a star.

The truth of Polamalu is his heart. At times, all of Pittsburgh cannot contain it.

To know the best part of Polamalu, you must go to the worst moment of his season, when there were tears running down his face at the time and remorse in his voice.

It was mid December, and the Steelers had just played the Bengals, and Pola