The Pittsburgh Steelers try to be the best they can be in all three phases of the game, which obviously includes special teams. A big reason for recent success on special teams is Pro Bowler Miles Killebrew, who recently signed a new contract to stay in Pittsburgh through the 2025 season. Killebrew has played a crucial role in Pittsburgh, and has the most blocked punts in the NFL since joining the Black and Gold. Despite his success, he flies under the radar.
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Steelers safety Miles Killebrew makes a punt block in Week 1 of the 2021 season against the Buffalo Bills.
Many players across the league have very meticulous rituals they go through before a game. Killebrew's is definitely more relaxed. During the most recent episode of The Christian Kuntz Podcast, Killebrew and Christian Kuntz shared a story about when they first met and would take scooters to their games in Pittsburgh and hangout with fans at tailgates the same day they had to play. Killebrew shared that this is something he still does to this day.
"I still do that to this day. I'll take an Uber, and I'll just walk, just to hangout with some fans. I'll get a hot dog or something. I will actually go to a lot of fans, wait where the players drive in, and I'll just be out there and we'll play like, guess who is driving the car. A bunch of guys love playing that game right there, and we'll just guess. I'm undefeated."
Killebrew has a bit of an unfair advantage in this game, as he sees his teammates and the cars they drive nearly everyday once the season kicks off. Being able to do this is what is nice about being a special teamer, they aren't easy to recognize for fans, even a player with the accomplishments of Killebrew. He was asked whether or not the fans he hangs out with recognize him.
"Oh, they have no idea dude. No idea."
Football isn't like most sports, most of the time when a casual fans see their team's players they are wearing helmets. This makes it difficult to recognize guys who aren't stars, have household names, or make constant media appearances. Killebrew went on to share that he tells fans he thinks he would be able to walk right into the stadium, which is often met with doubt. Little do they know, he is a team captain.
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Steelers' Miles Killebrew during training camp in 2024.
Killebrew may not have the luxury to hangout with fans without being recognized in 2024. He made a Pro Bowl in 2023, and made national news when he won the punt catching contest at the Pro Bowl Games. Add in his new contract, and he should be a fairly recognizable face for Steelers fans. Pittsburgh will have their home opener in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers, and if you are in attendance enjoying a tailgate, be on the lookout for Killebrew.
Steelers' Miles Killebrew Will Have An Even More Important Role In 2024
Pittsburgh and the rest of the NFL will be adjusting to new rules on special teams, which makes special teams players roles a bit more important. Kickoffs will have higher stakes, as returns should see an uptick. Killebrew will be relied upon to be a reliable tackler that can prevent big plays on special teams. He will also hopefully have a few of his patented punt blocks in 2024.
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Celebration of punt block.
Killebrew is listed as a safety, but rarely does he actually play defensive snaps. In 2023, he was forced to since the Steelers defensive backfield was ravaged by injuries and Damontae Kazee's suspension. Killebrew started one game at safety in 2023, and recorded 26 tackles, including a tackle for loss. If Killebrew has to play defense again like he did in 2023, it probably means the Steelers are in injury trouble, but Killebrew has proved he is more than capable to do so.
What do you think of Killebrew's unorthodox pre-game ritual? Let us know in the comments below!
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