After not playing during the 2024 season, safety Keanu Neal has decided to hang up his cleats from the game of football.
Neal announced Sunday on social media that he is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons.
"God has blessed my family and I in so many ways. Particularly in the game of football," Neal said on Instagram. "20 years ago, I started this journey. Today, I am retiring from the NFL. Gods' 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's career began in Atlanta when the Falcons selected him with the 17th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Florida Gators product kicked his rookie campaign off strong by starting in 14 games for the Falcons and recorded 106 tackles. The following season, his best as a pro, Neal started all 16 games while recording 116 tackles, four tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one interception to earn his first and only Pro Bowl nod.
After spending five seasons in Atlanta, he made one-year stops each with the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2021, Neal transitioned to linebacker for the Cowboys before moving back to safety later in his career.
Neal, 29, ends his NFL career with 523 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, eight forced fumbles, four interceptions and 2.5 sacks in 89 games.
