After a successful eight-season career in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons first-round pick Keanu Neal has announced his retirement. Neal, who also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Pittsburgh Steelers, made the announcement on Instagram, thanking all the organizations, coaches, teammates, and fans who supported him throughout his 20-year journey. Neal had a successful college career at the University of Florida before being drafted in the first round by the Falcons in the 2016 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, earning a Pro Bowl selection in his second season.
However, injuries plagued Neal’s career, with him tearing his ACL in 2018 and his Achilles in 2019. Despite these setbacks, he bounced back in 2020 with a strong season, leading to the Falcons exercising his fifth-year option. Neal then signed a one-year prove-it contract with the Cowboys in 2021, where he switched from safety to linebacker under his former coach, Dan Quinn. He then signed with the Buccaneers in 2022, before joining the Steelers in 2023, where he was placed on injured reserve after failing a physical.
Throughout his career, Neal amassed 523 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and 22 passes defended. Despite the injuries and challenges he faced, Neal expressed gratitude for the lessons learned through the game of football and how they helped shape him into the person he is today. While he may be retiring from the NFL, Neal’s impact on the field and in the locker room will not be forgotten by the teams and fans who supported him throughout his career.
Neal’s retirement marks the end of a successful NFL career that saw him play for multiple teams and earn individual accolades such as Pro Bowl selections. His journey, from a highly touted draft prospect to a reliable veteran in the league, is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and resilience. As he looks back on his 20-year football career, Neal is grateful for the opportunities he was given to showcase his skills and make an impact on the field.
As Neal transitions into retirement, he will carry with him the memories, friendships, and lessons learned throughout his time in the NFL. While injuries may have cut his career short, Neal’s impact on the game and the teams he played for will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. His retirement serves as a reminder of the physical toll that playing professional football can take on a player, but also the resilience and determination needed to succeed in such a demanding sport.
Neal’s retirement announcement on Instagram was met with an outpouring of support and well wishes from fans, teammates, and colleagues in the NFL community. His decision to step away from the game comes at a time when he feels the timing is right, and he is ready to begin the next chapter of his life. As he looks back on his career, Neal can be proud of the impact he made on the field and the legacy he leaves behind as a respected player in the NFL. He may be retiring from the game, but his contributions to football will not be forgotten.
