Following in the footsteps of Hall of Famers Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, three recently retired members of the Super Bowl 43-winning Pittsburgh Steelers defense will be the guests at this weekend's University Bowl at Shanghai's Luwan Stadium. With five Super Bowls and eight All-Pro selections between them, former Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark and Ike Taylor will be taking part in a series of public events across Beijing (Nov 18) and Shanghai (Nov 20-22). We chat with Ryan Clark about making his first trip to China, winning the Super Bowl and being cut from The Dark Knight Returns.
Is this your first trip to China?
This is my first trip to China. Very excited about meeting all of the people and spreading my love for the game.
You’re visiting with a couple members of the Super Bowl 43-winning Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Looking back, what were some of the keys to that specific team winning the Super Bowl compared to some of the other great Steelers teams you were a part of?
We were all so close. We loved working together both on and off the field. The chemistry of that team was unlike any other I've ever been on. It was amazing.
How do you feel about the Steelers this year?
This Steelers team is very resilient. They have shown a competitive spirit all season with stars down. This team can win enough games to earn a wild card spot and make some noise in the playoffs.
Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu
In your opinion, what team now has the most similar secondary to the Steelers you played for?
I'm not sure there is a team with a secondary like ours. No team has a "Troy" and a cast of no names that just laid it out there for one another. Not unique because we're so great. Just a different collection of dudes.
What’s your favorite memory about Steelers Nation?
The reaction every time they played the Renegade highlight video and that ended with Mean Joe Green's Hall of Fame "defense, defense, defense" chant.
You’ve transitioned into being an ESPN analyst. What is it like being on the other side?
Guys I played with always compliment me in the job I'm doing, which is really important to me. I know now just how much work and integrity it takes to do this job and be respected. I have a new appreciation for what analysts do each day.
You were part of the great football scene in The Dark Knight Returns. What was the day like of shooting it?
The day of filming was long and excited. Early morning and a long day...
What was your reaction seeing it for the first time?
My reaction was simply, "How did I not make the movie if I stood right next to Troy? Clearly the director doesn't know football."
What two teams do you think will make it to Super Bowl 50?
Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots.
NFL Legends China Tour
Beijing “Steelers Nation”
Rock your best Steelers gear and take part in a massive group photo with the players to show that Steelers Nation runs worldwide.
> Nov 18, 6-6.30pm, free entry. Kerry Hotel, Beijing.
“Friday Night Lights” Fan Forum
Meet the players and take part in a Q&A session complemented by a spread.
> Nov 20, 6:30pm-9pm, RMB250 (RMB100 for children under 12). Kerry Hotel, Pudong.
University Bowl VII
Watch the players lead clinics on November 21 and get an autograph on November 22 from 12.30-1.30pm.
> Nov 21-22, 11am-8pm, free entry. Luwan Stadium.
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