Sixty-five players appeared in at least one game for the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Only two earned AP NFL All-Pro status.
One was T.J. Watt. The other entered the offseason as a free agent.
But to hear Miles Killebrew talk, there wasn’t much desire to sign with another team.
“I’m a Pittsburgh Steeler,” said Killebrew, the 2023 All-Pro special-teamer. “I love it here. Cut me, and I’m going to bleed black and yellow. This is where I was meant to be.”
Speaking of #LocalsInTheNFL ...
— Sean Walker (@BySeanWalker) September 12, 2021
Former @SUUFB_ standout Miles Killebrew with a blocked punt that leads to this scoop-and-score for the St'illers. pic.twitter.com/BYhwVvH4Oy
Killebrew ascended to special-teams captain over his prior three seasons with the Steelers. He turned 31 earlier this month and is entering his ninth overall NFL season on the heels of signing a two-year, $6.5 million contract.
Also a part-time subpackage in-the-box safety, Killebrew is a smooth presence as a leader of the specialty units as a member each of the “core four” special teams (kickoff and punt return and coverage).
Some people have interests, or aspects of life they excel in. For Steelers special teams captain Miles Killebrew, that would be blocking punts. https://t.co/ORpQ2Pdn6h
— Tribune-Review Sports (@TribSports) October 9, 2023
Of course, the greatest source of Killebrew’s notoriety comes from his proficiency at blocking punts. Last season, he blocked one for a safety during an October win against the rival Baltimore Ravens. Killebrew also got a piece of a punt during a December game against the New England Patriots, and while it was not an official block, the kick traveled just 11 yards and set up a fourth-quarter Steelers touchdown.
Killebrew has three official blocked punts in three seasons with the Steelers. Does he believe his All-Pro status opened up doors for him in free agency?
“I think being a Steeler opened up some doors,” he said, “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.
“I can’t wait to go to battle with these guys. There are some new guys who will be going to war with us, and I can’t wait to get out there with them.”
