PITTSBURGH - His teammates and coaches were yelling, “Get down, get down!” but Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu wouldn't listen. Not a chance.

After intercepting a pass in the closing minutes of a tight game against Cincinnati, Polamalu cut to his left, then back to his right, running wildly, instinctively and, for a moment, almost out of control. This was a play made for him, and he wasn't stopping even at the risk of turning the ball back to the Bengals.

His long, black hair flowing behind him, Polamalu sidestepped one defender, then another, and another still. Finally, the only player in his path was, of all people, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer - his former Southern Cal teammate, roommate and one of his best friends.

Polamalu probably could have put on yet another move and dodged Palmer but, hesitating not a moment, ran over him to complete a 26-yard touchdown return and, with it, a 28-17 Steelers victory.