Troy Polamalu / Intentionalfoul.com
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Heir to a fortune?
No, make that hair to a fortune.
Head & Shoulders took out a $1 milllion insurance policy on Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu's long locks, Reuters reported.
The policy, taken out through Lloyd's of London, protects the football player's follicles as a spokesperson for the brand. Polamalu has done television commercials for the Procter & Gamble shampoo company for the past two years.
"They've created the first ever insurance policy to protect his iconic mane for the entire NFL season," Procter & Gamble said.
Polamalu's long, flowing black hair sticks out of his helmet when he plays and extends down his back. He wears it that way as a tribute to his Samoan heritage.
The 29-year-old Polamalu, whose hair extends several inches below his helmet and shoulders, reportedly has not gotten a trim for at least a decade.
While there is no clipping, there's no penalty for gripping, either.
The hair also can be targeted by opposing players.
Then-Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson grabbed Polamalu by the hair and pulled him down for a tackle as Polamalu was returning an interception in a 2006 game. No penalty flag was thrown on the play.
No details were given of exactly what damage to his hair would trigger a claim on the insurance policy.
This is not the first unusual insurance policy for a celebrity.
Lloyd's of London has insured: Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards' fingers, singer Celine Dion's vocal cords, singer Tina Turner's legs and the body of professional wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
