Steelers S Marcus Allen said he always wanted to be like Troy Polamalu

Marcus Allen understands what makes a great Steelers safety.

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During the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, one of the most pleasant surprises has been the improved play of safety Marcus Allen. With the team thin at both safety and linebacker this season, Allen’s experience at both and newfound success in training camp seem to be perfect timing when the Steelers need him the most.

Allen is a local kid having played his college football at Penn State. His dad was a Steelers fan before he ever joined the team and so Allen has some frame of reference for what makes a great Steelers safety.

In a Zoom with the media on Wednesday he said growing up he wanted to be like former Steeler great Troy Polamalu. While we can appreciate Allen’s enthusiasm and optimism, I’ll be more than happy if Allen could turn into the team’s No. 3 safety or even No. 3 off-ball linebacker. Fill a role similar to what Mark Barron did last year and continue to build on a very strong offseason.

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