The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Miles Killebrew after his five-season tenure with the Detroit Lions. Initially signing him to a one-year deal in 2021, the Steelers extended Killebrew's contract in 2022 with a two-year, $4 million deal, recognizing his exceptional performance on special teams. Following the 2023 season, Killebrew secured another extension, this time a two-year, $6.5 million contract.
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Steelers safety and special teams ace Miles Killebrew warms up on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a conference matchup against the New York Jets in Pittsburgh, PA.
In 2023, Killebrew earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. While he plays strong safety, his standout contributions have been on special teams. Named team captain in 2022 for his pivotal role, Killebrew has become an indispensable part of the Steelers' special teams unit. Despite not seeing much action on defense, his impact on special teams has been substantial, and the Steelers are grateful to keep him in Pittsburgh.
As Organized Team Activities (OTAs) began, Killebrew spoke to the media, expressing his unwavering loyalty to the Steelers organization. Leaving Pittsburgh was never an option for him.
"I'm a Pittsburgh Steeler. I love it here. Cut me and I'm gonna bleed black and yellow. This is where I was meant to be, and I can't wait to go to battle with these guys. We got some new guys who are gonna be going to war with us, and I can't wait to get out there with them."
Killebrew is eager to return to the field alongside the Steelers' new and improved additions. When asked if his All-Pro status had opened any doors for him, Killebrew quickly dismissed the notion. He emphasized that the only thing that has truly opened doors for him is his time in Pittsburgh.
"I think being a Steeler opened up some doors, and I don't take it for granted. Every single second that I'm here, I love it. I appreciate the history, and I want to add to it."
Before joining the Steelers, Killebrew was drafted by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Interestingly, during the interview process, the Lions misled him by saying they had no interest in him, only to later reveal that it was a test to see how he would handle the situation. In his rookie season, Killebrew primarily played on special teams and served as a rotational safety.
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Steelers' Miles Killebrew during the Pro Bowl challenges.
Killebrew's first career interception came in a game against the New Orleans Saints when he picked off Drew Brees. In 2017, he started the season with a 35-yard interception returned for a touchdown.
In 2018, the Lions attempted to transition Killebrew to linebacker. However, upon joining the Steelers in 2021, he quickly made a significant impact on special teams, blocking two punts that season. This marked the third blocked punt of his career and made him the first Steeler to block multiple punts in the same season since 1960.
Steelers' Miles Killebrew Has Changed The Special Teams Unit In Pittsburgh
Killebrew led the Steelers' special teams in 2023, recording 13 tackles, 11 of which were solo stops. Since joining Pittsburgh, he has blocked three punts, an impressive and rare feat that ties him for the most punt blocks by any team, not player, in the NFL since 2021. Over his career, he has blocked four punts.
Mark Konezny / USA Today Sports, via Reuters
Pittsburgh Steelers safety and special teams ace Miles Killebrew blocks a punt in Week 1 of the 2021 season against the Buffalo Bills.
Killebrew has found his niche and made his mark on special teams. While some players have prominent roles on offense or defense, Killebrew excels as a special teams ace. His outstanding performance earned him All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for the first time in 2023.
Despite having opportunities to play elsewhere, he chose to remain loyal to Pittsburgh, crediting the organization for shaping him into the player he is today. Steelers fans appreciate having a playmaker like Killebrew on their special teams unit, and he aims to add more blocks in the 2024 season.
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