The Las Vegas Raiders will see a familiar face return to the franchise: Troy Polamalu's nephew, Isaiah Pola-Mao.
On Monday, it was announced by the Raiders that the former USC defensive star had re-signed a two-year extension with the organization which could be worth up to $8.45 million. Pola-Mao was a restricted free agent and considering how the 25-year-old played last season, the Raiders elected to have him return.
After originally going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pola-Mao signed with Las Vegas as an undrafted free agent. The safety shined in the 2024 season, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording nine tackles and two forced fumbles in the Raiders' over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.
On Instagram, Pola-Mao posted a lengthy message, thanking the Raiders for their faith in him to continue being a contributor to Las Vegas' success in the future. "I'm so grateful to continue this journey at the place it all began," the 25-year-old's social media post began.
"Thank you to all the people that have taken the time to support me, whether that was coming to a game or watching at home. Thank you to my family, y'all have always been in my corner through the lowest lows and the highest highs. Thank you to my wife and son, I can't do what I do on the field without the love and support of y'all.
"I went undrafted in 2022 and I was told to put my head down and work. Do the extra things and put in the time game of football demands of us. It only takes everything you've got. Back to the grind! Let's go Raider Nation!"
The Raiders also posted a four-photo carousel on Instagram, which featured a brief clip of Pola-Mao addressing the fans. "Raiders nation, excited to keep going on this journey with y'all. Love this organization!" he said.
For Pola-Mao, he remains with the only organization he has ever known, similar to how Polamalu, his uncle, was a one-team star for the duration of his professional career. Like the Raiders safety, Polamalu played collegiately at USC, making his name as a standout defensive star.
Polamalu was drafted No. 16 overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and it was clear the safety was a star in his own right. As a member of the Steelers, Polamalu helped usher in a new era of success, helping the team win Super Bowls XL and XLIII.
During his 12-year career, the safety was a four-time First-team All-Pro and a two-time Second-team All-Pro selection, winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2010. He also was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection before he retired in 2015.
He was inducted into the Po Football Hall of Fame in 2020, his first year of eligibility, showing just how much of a presence he was during his time on the field. With Pola-Mao's extension with the Raiders, the 25-year-old has at least one season of stability, playing for the only franchise he's known.
