Keanu Neal Announces Retirement After Eight NFL Seasons

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Keanu Neal has officially announced his retirement from professional football after eight seasons in the NFL. The 28-year-old shared the news on Instagram, marking the conclusion of a career that began as a promising first-round draft pick.

Neal’s last season in the league was with the Steelers during the 2023 campaign. He registered 50 tackles and one interception in just nine games, a number limited due to a rib injury that hindered his performance. The Steelers later released him in March 2024 after he failed a physical exam, effectively closing the chapter on his playing days.

Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Neal made an immediate impact in his rookie year, starting 14 games and contributing to the Falcons’ Super Bowl LI appearance. In that game, the Falcons suffered a historic defeat, blowing a 28-3 lead against the New England Patriots.

In 2017, Neal earned a Pro Bowl selection, recording 116 tackles, a peak season that showcased his potential as one of the league’s top safeties. However, injuries plagued him in the following years; he played in just four games across the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

After a challenging stretch with the Falcons, Neal moved to the Dallas Cowboys for the 2021 season, where he played in 14 games and recorded 72 tackles. He then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2022 season, finishing the year with 63 tackles and four passes defended.

Neal’s retirement post reflects on his journey in the league and gratitude for the teams and fans that supported him throughout his career. Despite the injuries, he left a mark with his impactful style of play.