Former round pick Keanu Neal, who spent eight seasons in the NFL, primarily as safe, announced his retirement on Sunday.
Neal, 29, played for the Falcons for five seasons after being selected 17th by Atlanta in the 2016 NFL Draft.
After starring at the University of Florida, Neil turned the Super Bowl as a rookie in his second season with the Falcons and the Pro Bowl into the Pro Bowl.
His career was derailed the following season with an ACL tear, with Neal suffering another season-ending injury when he descended with a torn Achilles tendon in 2019.
Neal signed with the Dallas Cowboys after returning to play 15 games with the Falcons in 2020. There, former coach Dan Quinn of Atlanta was defensive coordinator.
The next season took him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and ended his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023.
Pittsburgh placed Neal in an injured reserve midway through the '23 season and was released by the team after a physical failure in March.
On Instagram, Neil was grateful for his career.
“I would like to thank the Atlanta Falcons for their drafting for the opportunity to make an impact.” Neil wrote. “To the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Baybucks, Pittsburgh Steelers: Thank you for continuing your career with you, all top organizations.
“I am extremely grateful to my coach and teammates for being able to work together along the way. South Sumter Hey Sumter County at the University of Florida Wolfpack, my family and friends…Thank you! Learn through the game All the lessons have helped shape me who I am today.”
