The Polamalus remain Pittsburgh sports fans — not only the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, but the Riverhounds, as well. They also keep tabs on their friends' kids who are now playing for North Allegheny.

But they're not fans of forcing things or operating in a way that might be best described as inorganic.

"A lot of this started when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame," Theodora continued. "The Steelers had reached out. They did so much with his introduction. But it wasn't planned. It was just an organic way of things happening. That's how we try to live our life. We don't force anything."

At that point, Troy had figured out how he wanted to proceed and how he'd talk about reconnecting with Pittsburgh. It's an obligation, Troy said. But not necessarily in the true meaning of the word.

"It's a compelling obligation," Troy said. "That's why it's hard because no matter how hard you fight it. ...

"He's an introvert," Theodora said.

"I'd much rather not do [much publicly], but that's what is so hard about it," Troy countered.

Theodora: "You also have so many examples of what that looks like with Joe Greene and Franco Harris. ... His predecessors really paved the way for what the Steelers' standard is when it comes to the community."

Troy: "Mel Blount still has his events, too."

At that point, I interjected. Maybe I shouldn't have. But it just felt like the whole Polamalu situation city-wide needed to happen. Revered player didn't leave on the best of terms. There's some separation. Then finally a reconciliation of sorts that feels like a giant hug.

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