In the U.S., Orthodox Christians rarely get the opportunity to feel good about celebrities. There are quite a few people who claim to be Orthodox who work in movies, in politics, and in the arts. Unfortunately, almost all of these people are not what could be termed spiritual role models. Nominally Orthodox politicians get busted for corruption, Hollywood Hellenes live tabloid lives that shame everyone, and our artists cause no end of mischief. We are so used to this state of affairs, most of us don't even react anymore. Which is why when someone who is genuinely Orthodox, and famous, does something important we need to take notice.

Something like - winning a Super Bowl. Troy Polamalu is a Somoan football player who is so fierce, that his nickname is the Somoan Headhunter. As the highly talented safety for the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, Polamalu is known for hard hits, tough play, and for his on-field leadership of the best defense in the NFL. While millions in the Steeler Nation have enjoyed his spectacular play for years, more and more fans have begun to ask about the right-to-left manner in which he frequently crosses himself during games.

Orthodox football fans don't need to ask at all. We recognize one of our own on the field. Troy Polamalu is Greek Orthodox, and he is not afraid to show it. "Each time there is an important play, he makes his cross the Orthodox way. Nobody else does this, and it is a beautiful thing," said Metropolitan Maximos, of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh, who officiated at the wedding of Troy and Theodora Polamalu four years ago.

That quote is from an excellent article on Troy Polamalu you can find by clicking here. I encourage everyone to read it, as Troy Polamalu is very inspirational.

Russia and other Orthodox lands are used to devoutly Orthodox celebrities. But for America Orthodox, having a famous, talented athlete who actually lives the Faith is a new experience. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a trend!