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‘Troy Being Who Troy Is’: Bryant McFadden Recalls Emotional Letter Troy Polamalu Wrote Him During Difficult 2011 Season

The 2011 season was a difficult one for veteran cornerback Bryant McFadden.

At the age of 30 years old, his game started to fall off due to injuries, tearing his hamstring twice that season — once in training camp and then again later in the season.

In total, McFadden played in 13 games that year but had just one start, recording 10 tackles, one pass breakup and one forced fumble. That 2011 season ultimately was the end of his career. It’s a season he’d like to largely forget.

Except for one small part: a letter around Christmas time from teammate and future Pro Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu.