Troy Polamalu was drafted No. 16 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2003 NFL Draft out of USC. 158 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 96 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #16
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 2003
- NFL games
- 158
- Years as starter
- 10
- Career AV
- 967th at USC
- Pro Bowls
- 8
- All-Pro
- 4
The pick
How Troy Polamalu came off the board in 2003.
- Position
- Defensive back DB
- College
-
USC
Pac-10 at the draft
- Measurables
- 206 lbs
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
158 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 96 career approximate value
- Games played
- 158
- Seasons as a starter
- 10
- Career approximate value
- 967th among USC picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 96100% of career value
- Final season
- 201411 years after the draft
- Accolades
- Hall of Fame · 4× All-Pro · 8× Pro Bowl
Around pick 16
Who came off the board on either side of Troy Polamalu.
Penn State
Miami
Wake Forest
USC in the 2003 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other DB picks from USC
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
USC · Hall of Fame · 6× All-Pro · 10× Pro Bowl
#34
Tim McDonald
DB · ARI · 1987
USC · 6× Pro Bowl
#15
Dennis Smith
DB · DEN · 1981
USC · 6× Pro Bowl
#19
Joey Browner
DB · MIN · 1983
USC · 3× All-Pro · 6× Pro Bowl
#6
Mark Carrier
DB · CHI · 1990
USC · 3× Pro Bowl
#59
Jason Sehorn
DB · NYG · 1994
USC
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Troy Polamalu in the 2003 NFL Draft
Troy Polamalu is a Defensive back out of USC selected No. 16 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2003 NFL Draft. 158 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 96 career approximate value USC has produced 252 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Troy Polamalu drafted?
Troy Polamalu was selected No. 16 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2003 NFL Draft (Rd 1, Pick 16). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2003/troy-polamalu.
What college did Troy Polamalu play for?
Troy Polamalu played college football at USC in the Pac-10. See every USC draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/usc-trojans.
How did Troy Polamalu's NFL career turn out?
158 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 96 career approximate value Accolades: Hall of Fame · 4× All-Pro · 8× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2003/troy-polamalu.