Troy Polamalu Hair Insurance Policy Approved

Troy Polamalu's hair is as iconic as he is. As such, the Troy Polamalu hair style must be protected, so Troy Polamalu hair responsibility now falls on Head & Shoulders. The company has been attached to the Steelers' safety for two years, as his unique style makes him an ideal spokesman. However, his locks are so long that they can be damaged on the field, especially since it's legal to grab them during play. Therefore, Polamalu's hairstyle is the first in sports history to get its own insurance policy.

Procter & Gamble, which owns Head & Shoulders, got Lloyd's of London to draft a policy on football's most famous mane. It was taken out for $1 million, according to a statement yesterday. However, their investment was probably secure before this policy was made.

The Troy Polamalu hairstyle has been growing for 10 years, as the Steelers' star has left it alone in honor of his Samoan ancestors. Given how that look has become his trademark -- and hasn't stood in the way of winning two Super Bowl rings -- he has no reason to take it off now.

However, it is still vulnerable on the field, just like any other body part. Since Troy Polamalu's hair sticks out so much, players are allowed to grab it in order to bring him down. The Chiefs' Larry Johnson did just that in 2006, although the locks stayed where they were.

It seems unlikely that a player can grab those locks hard enough to pull some off or ruin the style. But anything can happen in football, and since Head & Shoulders is tied to the Troy Polamalu hair image, they are not taking any chances.

Still, this policy is the least of his concerns, as he has to worry about the rest of his body. Injuries interrupted his season last year, and provided a huge hole in the Steelers' defense. In order to return to the playoffs and make another Super Bowl run, the Steelers need all of Polamalu to return and be healthy again.

If the Troy Polamalu hair insurance policy makes him feel more secure in that goal, then the Steelers will not protest. He is on track to start the regular season on time, but Pittsburgh needs him to finish it on time as well.

For now, the Steelers are still confident that Troy Polamalu's hair will be flowing in the wind, as he returns interceptions for touchdowns again. But if someone pulls on his mane too hard, and causes him to fall the wrong way as a result, the insurance policy will only be a small consolation.

Sources

Washington Post- "Troy Polamalu's hair insured for $1 million"

Reuters- "Football star Troy Polamalu's hair insured for $1 million"

NBC Sports- "So far, so good with Troy Polamalu's recovery"