Pittsburgh Steelers stalwart Troy Polamalu has announced his retirement from the game after a 12-year playing career in the NFL.

The Steelers confirmed the news in an announcement on Thursday, with Polamalu stating that he wanted to spend more time with his family as the reason for his decision.

"Since the end of the season I've had a chance to enjoy my family on a level that I never had before. It was awesome," Polamalu told the Herald-Standard.

"Thank God football has provided me the ability to be able to sit back and see what the options are. But I'll definitely be the best father I can be."

The former Steelers star joked that he reached the decision after chasing his children and being unable to catch them, but the 34-year-old conceded that his play declined last season which led to the decision.

He leaves the NFL as a two-time Super Bowl winner as well as appearing in eight Pro Bowls, and finishes his career with 32 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and six sacks.