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Keeanu Benton reveals how Nick Herbig pushed him to earn new contract
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- Keeanu Benton reveals how Nick Herbig pushed him to earn new contract
Keeanu Benton reveals how Nick Herbig pushed him to earn new contract
In professional sports, contract negotiations are typically viewed as solitary journeys driven by agents and personal statistics. However, inside the Pittsburgh Steelers ' locker room, defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and outside linebacker Nick Herbig proved that friendly competition can be the ultimate catalyst for financial and professional success.
The two defensive standouts, who were college teammates at Wisconsin before joining the Steelers ' 2023 draft class, leaned heavily on their bond to navigate the high-stakes offseason that led to extensions for both players.
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Speaking on " Not Just Football with Cam Heyward ," Benton detailed how his relationship with Herbig fueled his drive to earn his new four-year extension, reportedly worth $72 million.
"It's crazy, man. We do everything together," Benton said when reflecting on signing extensions in the same offseason as Herbig. "You got to compete, man. I think that's what drives our relationship, our friendship, you know, the competition aspect."
That competitive spark burned brightest after Herbig secured his four-year, $100 million extension first, sharpening Benton's focus during training and preparation.
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"When I got drafted first, it was, you're very excited for each other, don't get me wrong, but just that competition aspect of, you know, when it's my turn," Benton explained. "It just made me go even harder. Like, 'cause I know it's right there at my fingertips, and I was ready to get my bag."
The culmination of that shared grind came late one evening when Benton received the long-awaited call from his agent. Within moments, Herbig was involved in the celebration.
"I was in bed actually and then my agent called me, then added Nick to the call and Nick came busting in my room like, 'Oh, dog,'" Benton recalled. "Ain't no sleeping."
For the Steelers, fostering this kind of internal accountability pays massive dividends. By pushing each other daily, Benton and Herbig transformed personal ambition into mutual success, locking in two vital pieces of Pittsburgh's defensive future.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Keeanu Benton reveals how Nick Herbig pushed him to earn new contract
