This previous Sunday, veteran security Keanu Neal formally introduced his retirement from the NFL by way of his Instagram account, marking the tip of a notable eight-season profession.
Neal was a key participant for a number of groups, however he in fact started his journey with the Atlanta Falcons, who chosen him with the seventeenth total choice within the 2016 NFL Draft.
All through his profession, Neal performed in 89 video games and made 69 begins for 4 completely different groups: the Falcons (2016-2020), Dallas Cowboys (2021), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022), and Pittsburgh Steelers (2023). His time with the Falcons was significantly memorable, as he grew to become identified for his hard-hitting fashion and powerful presence on the sector as a tone setter at security.
One of many highlights of his profession got here in 2017 when he made his solely Professional Bowl look after racking up a career-high 116 tackles whereas beginning all 16 video games that season.
Neal did nevertheless face challenges throughout his time in Atlanta, struggling season-ending accidents in back-to-back years with an ACL damage in 2018 and an Achilles damage in 2019. Regardless of these setbacks, he continued to push ahead. After spending 5 seasons with the Falcons, he signed with the Cowboys in 2021 and made a place change from security to linebacker. Nevertheless, he returned to his authentic place within the ultimate two seasons of his profession with the Buccaneers in 2022 and the Steelers in 2023.
He didn’t play within the NFL final season after being launched by the Steelers in March. As he retires, Neal finishes his profession with: 523 tackles, 4 interceptions, and eight pressured fumbles.
We want Keanu Neal nicely in his post-football life.
