Keanu Neal, One-Time Pro Bowler Announces Retirement from NFL After 8 Seasons

Keanu Neal, a first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, is retiring after eight seasons in the NFL.

Neal, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Dallas Cowboys, posted on Instagram to announce his retirement.

“God has blessed my family and I in so many ways,” he began his caption. “20 years ago, I started this journey. Today, I am retiring from the NFL. Gods’ timing is always the right timing.”

Neal continued by expressing appreciation to everyone he met along the way, which he began two decades ago.

“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. #Enforcer.”

Neal did not participate in the 2024 season after failing a physical with the 2023 squad, the Steelers.

The Falcons picked Neal 17th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft because he was a top prospect going into the draft following a successful college career at the University of Florida.

In 14 games as a rookie, he recorded 106 tackles, five forced fumbles, and eight passes defended, making an instant impact.

In his first and only Pro Bowl season, Neal recorded a career-high 116 combined tackles, one interception, six passes defended, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

In 2018, Neal suffered an injury when he tore his ACL against the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener. Then, in Week 3 of 2019 against the Indianapolis Colts, Neal tore his Achilles.

2020 proved to be a favorable contract year for Neal because the Falcons would exercise his fifth-year option. He recorded one interception, nine for loss, and 100 tackles.

The following season, however, Neal signed a prove-it contract with the Cowboys, a $5 million one-year deal. He did this as a reunion with Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys and his former head coach.

Neal played 14 games with the Cowboys, recording 72 tackles before moving from safety to linebacker.

Neal returned to strong safety in 2022 by signing a one-year contract worth $1.272 million with the Bucs. He recorded 63 tackles, one interception, and four passes defended in his 17 games, including eight starts.

Neal eventually joined the Steelers in 2023, but his season ended early as he was placed on injured reserve on November 18.

Neal recorded a total of 523 tackles, 2.5 sacks, eight caused fumbles, and 22 passes defended during his career.