Keanu Neal Announces Retirement After Eight Seasons in NFL

Former Falcons Safety Keanu Neal Announces Retirement After Eight Seasons in NFL

Keanu Neal, the hard-hitting safety best known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons, has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons. The 28-year-old defender shared the news via social media, thanking his coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his career.

Neal was selected by the Falcons in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft (17th overall) out of the University of Florida. He quickly became a key piece of Atlanta’s defense, earning a reputation for his physicality and playmaking ability. In his rookie season, he helped lead the Falcons to Super Bowl LI, where they famously fell to the New England Patriots in an overtime thriller.

His best season came in 2017 when he recorded 116 tackles, six forced fumbles, and an interception, earning a Pro Bowl selection. However, injuries soon began to take a toll on his career. Neal suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2018 (torn ACL) and 2019 (torn Achilles), limiting his availability and slowing his momentum as one of the league’s rising defensive stars.

After five seasons in Atlanta, Neal transitioned to a hybrid linebacker role with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. He later played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was cut short due to a biceps injury, and he was placed on injured reserve in November.

Despite his physical playing style and perseverance through injuries, Neal ultimately decided to step away from the game. His retirement statement expressed gratitude for the opportunities football provided him, highlighting the relationships he built along the way.

Neal finished his career with 473 total tackles, 20 passes defended, 11 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions. While injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential, he left a lasting impact as a tenacious and respected defender.

As he moves on to the next chapter of his life, Neal’s legacy will be remembered for his fearless approach to the game and his contributions to the Falcons’ defense during their Super Bowl run. Fans and former teammates alike have taken to social media to celebrate his career and wish him well in retirement.