Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Keanu Neal has announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons. The 29-year-old Neal spent his final season with the Steelers in 2023. He announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Sunday.
"God has blessed my family and I in so many ways. Particularly in the game of football. 20 years ago, I started this journey. Today, I am retiring from the NFL. Gods' timing is always the right timing," Neal wrote.
"Wanna give a big thank you to the Atlanta Falcons for drafting and giving me a chance to make an impact. To the Dallas Cowboys , Tampa Bay Bucs , and Pittsburgh Steelers.. Thank you for allowing me to continue my career with you. All top notch organizations. I am incredibly grateful for the coaches and teammates I had the privilege of working with along the way. Sumter County, South Sumter High, Wolfpack, University of Florida, my family and friends.. THANK YOU! All the lessons learned through the game has helped mold me into who I am today."
Neal played in nine games for the Steelers in 2023, making eight starts at strong safety, where he was signed to replace Terrell Edmunds . Neal was injured while falling on the football after an interception against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 14, 2023. The Steelers never released his specific injury.
Neal was placed on the injured reserve list and did not return that season. In 2024, Neal was released with a failed physical designation in a move that saved the Steelers significant salary cap savings. Some of that savings was returned after Neal was unable to find a new contract elsewhere, thanks to the NFL injury protection benefit clause.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Keanu Neal hits Jaguars Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on, Oct. 29, 2023 – Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
He originally signed a two-year, $4.25 million contract with the Steelers. He earned $2 million in 2023 and was awarded $1.23 million in injury protection benefit in 2024.
Keanu Neal was a first-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons out of Florida in 2016 after playing three strong seasons in Gainesville. He spent his entire rookie contract with the Falcons before heading to Dallas to join the Cowboys in 2021. There, he converted to linebacker, but he converted right back to safety with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022.
Neal finishes his NFL career having played in 89 games, made 69 starts and recording 523 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, 22 passes defended, four interceptions, eight forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.
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