Keanu Neal, a former Pro Bowl safety renowned for his impactful presence on the field, has officially announced his retirement from the National Football League after an eight-season career. Neal, 29, shared the news through his Instagram account, expressing gratitude to the teams, coaches, and teammates who supported him throughout his journey.
Selected 17th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, Neal quickly established himself as a defensive cornerstone. His rookie season culminated in a Super Bowl appearance, and he earned Pro Bowl honors in his second year after recording a career-high 116 tackles. Despite facing significant setbacks due to a torn ACL in 2018 and a torn Achilles in 2019, Neal demonstrated resilience by returning to play 15 games in the 2020 season. He later had stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. His tenure with the Steelers ended in March 2024 following a release due to a failed physical.
Over his career, Neal amassed 523 tackles, five fumble recoveries, and four interceptions across 89 games, with 69 starts. His hard-hitting style and leadership on the field have left a lasting impression on teammates and fans alike.
In his retirement announcement, Neal reflected on his two-decade-long football journey, stating, “God has blessed my family and I in so many ways. Particularly in the game of football.” He extended heartfelt thanks to the Atlanta Falcons for drafting him and providing an opportunity to make an impact, as well as to the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Pittsburgh Steelers for allowing him to continue his career.
As Neal steps away from professional football, he leaves behind a legacy of determination, resilience, and excellence on the field.
Leave a Reply