Former Falcons' First Round Pick Announces Retirement

Keanu Neal, the Atlanta Falcons' first round pick in 2016, spent five of his eight seasons in the NFL with the franchise.

Dec 31, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal (22) is tackled by Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) after a pass interception during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

After spending eight seasons in the NFL, former Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick safety Keanu Neal on Sunday announced his retirement from football in a statement released via Instagram. Neal, who spent five seasons with the Falcons, last played in the 2023 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Congrats to @Keanu_Neal on his retirement! 👏 pic.twitter.com/2FqQ86fWOP

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 24, 2025

Neal's full statement can be read below:

"God has blessed my family and I in so many ways. Particularly in the game of football. 20 years ago, I started this journey. Today, I am retiring from the NFL. God's 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."

Atlanta selected the former Florida Gators' star with the 17th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and Neal made an immediate impact as a rookie. He had 105 total tackles, nine passes defended and five forced fumbles during the franchise's run to a Super Bowl appearance. Neal was also named PFWA All-Rookie Team as a result of his play.

The following season, Neal was named to his first and only Pro Bowl after a 116-tackle, six-pass deflection and three-forced fumble season.

However, injuries consistently held Neal back from reaching his full potential. He suffered a torn ACL in the season-opener for the 2018 season and a torn Achilles tendon in Week Three of the 2019 season. He returned in 2020, posting another 100-tackle season, but that would be his last with the Falcons.

He spent the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons with one-year stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers where he carved a role as a backup and rotational safety who made the occasional start due to injuries ahead of him.

Late in what would be his final season, the Steelers placed Neal on the injured reserve before releasing him after a failed physical the following March. He would remain unsigned for the 2024 season.

In eight seasons, Neal recorded 523 total tackles (361 solo), 22 pass deflections, four interceptions and eight forced fumbles.

Prior to his professionally career, Neal spent three collegiate seasons with the Gators where he became best-known for being a heavy hitter and sure tackler. Notably, he went viral in 2014 for a big tackle against future Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.

Keanu Neal MET Derrick Henry in the hole 💥 pic.twitter.com/15pjdSpMfn

— Florida Gators 🐊🔥 (@gatorsszn) May 3, 2024