Steelers' Keeanu Benton Shares Hilarious Story About Karl Dunbar Putting Him In An Awkward Spot

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted defensive lineman Keeanu Benton in the second round (49th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. Benton came to Pittsburgh with heavy expectations as part of the next generation tasked with carrying on the franchise’s proud defensive line tradition. From the start, veteran Cam Heyward took Benton under his wing, becoming a steady mentor and helping him adjust to life in the NFL. The two quickly built chemistry, and Benton’s presence on the line became increasingly noticeable as the season progressed.

When Benton was set to make his first-ever NFL start, the moment nearly overwhelmed him. Despite all his preparation, nerves kicked in hard before kickoff. He opened up about the experience on The Money Down Podcast, hosted by fellow former Wisconsin Badgers Warren Herring, James White, and Sojourn Shelton, offering a candid and human moment behind the scenes of pro football. Benton revealed that Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar had put him in an awkward position before the game that added even more pressure to an already intense situation.

The nerves ultimately got the best of him—Benton admitted he threw up before the game. However, what followed was a glimpse into his mental toughness. Rather than folding under the pressure, Benton gathered himself and delivered a strong performance, proving to coaches and teammates that he could handle the big stage. His early experiences in Pittsburgh, shaped by Heyward’s mentorship and Dunbar’s tough love, are helping mold him into one of the most promising young defenders on the Steelers’ roster.

"They say the names before you go out," Benton said. "They like, Benton! 'Wait, what?' My nerves running. I run out. I'm shaking. When I get nervous, I throw up sometimes. Before games, I throw up. I just gotta get it out. Coach [Karl] Dunbar look at me like, you ready? I'm like, 'Yeah.'"

Benton managed to shake off his nerves and successfully get his feet wet in the NFL. The transition is never easy for a young player, especially when stepping into a role or position that hasn’t been part of their regular responsibilities in a while. 

Adjusting to the speed, complexity, and physicality of the pro game takes time, and Benton handled the challenge with focus and resilience.

"Whole time, I think I'm starting at nose. That punk put me at 4i," Benton joked, referring to Dunbar. "I ain't took a rep at 4i. Threw me out there. I hadn't played 4i in a minute. There's so much space out there."

In his first two seasons in the Steel City, Benton has quietly become one of the most promising young players on the Steelers' defense. He has appeared in 34 games and started 23 of them, quickly earning the trust of the coaching staff and proving he belongs in the NFL. 

Steelers' Keeanu Benton Expected To Make Big Leap In 2025

During that time, Benton has recorded one interception, eight passes deflected, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two sacks. He’s shown flashes of dominance and consistency, and fans have taken notice. Many around the league believe Benton is primed to take an even bigger leap heading into his third season in 2025.

What makes Benton’s rise even more impressive is how far he’s come since his first NFL start. Hearing the story about how nervous he was, even throwing up before the game, only makes his development more inspiring. 

For Steelers fans, watching Benton grow into a confident and impactful presence on the field has been a joy. He arrived in Pittsburgh with the right mindset, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn from veterans like Heyward. Now, he looks like a foundational piece of the Steelers' future, and his best football may still be ahead of him. Steelers fans are eager to watch what Benton brings to this defense in the 2025 season.

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