Keanu Neal is riding off into the sunset.
Neal, who played nine games (eight starts) with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023, took to Instagram on Sunday to announce his NFL retirement.
“God has blessed my family and I in so many ways,” Neal captioned the post. “Particularly in the game of football. Twenty years ago, I started this journey. Today, I am retiring from the NFL. God’s timing is always the right timing.
“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 the first five seasons of his NFL career in Atlanta after the Falcons took him 17th overall in the 2016 draft. The 2017 Pro Bowl selection proceeded to log one-season stints in Dallas, Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh to round out his tenure in the league. Neal did not play in the 2024 season after he was released by the Steelers last March due to a failed physical.
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In his limited time with Pittsburgh, the 29-year-old logged 50 total tackles, two passes defended, one fumble recovery and an interception.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images