Miles Killebrew

Last updated

Miles Killebrew
Killebrew Visits Selfridge ANGB (cropped).png
Killebrew at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in 2016
No. 28 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Position:
Personal information
Born: (1993-05-10) May 10, 1993 (age 31)
Henderson, Nevada, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:222 lb (101 kg)
Career information
High school: Foothill (Henderson)
College: Southern Utah (2011–2015)
NFL draft: 2016  / Round: 4 / Pick: 111
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Tackles:148
Forced fumbles:1
Pass deflections:6
Interceptions:2
Defensive Touchdowns:1
Player stats at PFR

Miles Killebrew (born May 10, 1993) is an American professional football safety and special teamer for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Southern Utah and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Contents

College career

Killebrew reached the triple-digit mark in tackles each of his last two seasons (101 in 2014, 132 in 2015) and also showed an ability to handle pass coverage responsibilities with three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown in 2014) and seven pass breakups in 2015. The four-year starter earned All-Big Sky recognition in each season: honorable mention in 2012 and 2013, second-team in 2014, and first-team in 2015.

Professional career

Pre-draft

NFL analysts had projected Killebrew to be drafted in the third or fourth rounds. Most teams and scouts were impressed by his size, tackling form, and physical play. The only downsides to him were his lack of instincts, minimal coverage range, and lack of anticipation in run direction. With a large frame for a safety and the popularity of hybrid linebackers in the NFL, a lot of analysts expected him to also play a nickel linebacker role in the NFL. [1] Killebrew played in the Reese's Senior Bowl and was also invited to the NFL combine. Between the Senior Bowl and the combine, it was reported he met with multiple teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, and the Indianapolis Colts' head coach Chuck Pagano. [2] [3] On March 30, 2016, he attended Southern Utah's first ever Pro Day and performed the 40-yard dash (4.51), 20-yard dash (2.63), and 10-yard dash (1.58), improving his numbers from the combine on all three. [4] Over twenty scouts and representatives from NFL teams showed up to evaluate Killebrew and ten other prospects at SUU's Pro Day. [5]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1+7⁄8 in
(1.88 m)		217 lb
(98 kg)		32+1⁄8 in
(0.82 m)		9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		4.65 s1.65 s2.71 s4.18 s6.93 s38 in
(0.97 m)		10 ft 7 in
(3.23 m)		22 reps
All values from NFL Combine. [1]

Detroit Lions

2016 season

Killebrew in a 2019 game against the Washington Redskins Miles Killebrew (cropped).jpg
Killebrew in a 2019 game against the Washington Redskins

The Lions selected Killebrew in the fourth round (111th overall) in the 2016 NFL draft. [6] After he had appeared in the senior bowl, the Lions safeties coach, Alan Williams, and other representatives from the organization had a meeting with Killebrew and told him that they were not interested in him, he wasn't a right fit for the team, and that they did not want him at all. Once they drafted him, they told him that they had only said it to see how he would respond. [7] On May 6, 2016, it was reported that the Lions had signed Killebrew to a four-year, $2.34 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $578,564. [8]

He began his rookie season as the Lions' third strong safety on the depth chart behind veterans Tavon Wilson and Rafael Bush. [9] In the first 11 games, Killebrew mainly saw time on special teams and saw a few snaps as a rotational safety on defense. On November 20, 2016, Killebrew led the Lions with five tackles, while only playing 12 defensive snaps, all on third down, during the Lions 26–19 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Four days later, he made four tackles on third down, while only appearing on nine of the Lions' defensive snaps during their 16–13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving. [10]

On December 4, 2016, he played 21 defensive snaps (34%) during the Lions 28–13 victory against the New Orleans Saints. He finished the game with three solo tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted Drew Brees for his first career interception. [11] [12]

2017 season

On September 10, 2017, in the Lions' season opening 35–23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Killebrew had a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown, which came off of quarterback Carson Palmer, in the fourth quarter. [13]

2018 season

During training camp Killebrew converted to linebacker with the arrival of Matt Patricia and new defensive scheme.

2020 season

On March 24, 2020, Killebrew re-signed with the Lions. [14]

Pittsburgh Steelers

Killebrew signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 24, 2021. [15]

In week 1 of the 2021 season against the Buffalo Bills, Killebrew blocked a punt from Bills punter Matt Haack which was recovered by teammate Ulysees Gilbert for a Steelers touchdown in the 23–16 win. [16] Later, in week 11 against the Chargers, Killebrew blocked a punt from Chargers punter Ty Long, leading to a rushing touchdown by Steelers running back Najee Harris several plays later in the 37–41 loss. [17]

On March 11, 2022, Killebrew signed a two-year, $4 million contract extension with the Steelers. [18]

During week 5 of the 2023 season against the Baltimore Ravens, Killebrew blocked a punt from Ravens punter Jordan Stout, leading to a Steelers safety in the 17–10 victory. [19]

On March 18, 2024, Killebrew signed a two-year contract extension with the Steelers. [20]

On September 2, 2024, Killebrew was announced as a Captain for the 2024-25 Pittsburgh Steelers Team. [21]

Personal life

Killebrew was raised by his parents, Lisa and David Killebrew, in Henderson, Nevada. [22] Killebrew and his family are Indianapolis Colts fans, having lived in Indiana for a few years. He also cites his role models in football as Troy Polamalu, Earl Thomas, and Bob Sanders.

On April 30, 2016, Killebrew graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in engineering technology. He received the phone call from the Lions telling him they'd drafted him on the way to his graduation ceremony. [7]

In June 2016, a Detroit-based brewery named Fort Street Brewery created Killebrew IPA, a play on words using his last name. [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rod Woodson</span> American football player and coach (born 1965)

Roderick Kevin Woodson is an American former professional football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. Widely considered one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time, Woodson holds the NFL record for fumble recoveries (32) by a defensive player, and interceptions returned for touchdown (12). He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Henry Johnson</span> American gridiron football player (1929–2011)

John Henry Johnson was an American professional football player who was a running back. He was known for his excellence at the fullback position as both a runner and a blocker. His first professional stint was in Canada in the Western Interprovincial Football Union for one season with the Calgary Stampeders. He then played in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Pittsburgh Steelers before spending his final season in the American Football League (AFL) with the Houston Oilers. Commonly referred to as simply John Henry, an allusion to the folk hero of the same name, Johnson was a tough and tenacious player who performed at a high level well into the tail end of his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Hope (American football)</span> American football player (born 1980)

Christopher Pierre Hope is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles. Hope was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft, and has also played for the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons. He helped the Steelers win Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long snapper</span> Specialized player in gridiron football

In gridiron football, the long snapper is a center on special teams whose duty is to snap the football over a longer distance, typically around 15 yards during punts, and 7–8 yards during field goals and conversion attempts.

Robert Martin Bailey is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and the Baltimore Ravens. He played college football at the University of Miami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Weddle</span> American football player (born 1985)

Eric Steven Weddle is an American former football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He played college football for the Utah Utes, where he earned consensus All-American honors in 2006, and was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. During his nine seasons with the Chargers, Weddle received three Pro Bowl and two first-team All-Pro selections. Weddle spent his next three seasons as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, earning Pro Bowl honors in each and extending his total selections to six. He retired after playing for the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, but returned two years later to join the Rams on their playoff run, which culminated with a victory in Super Bowl LVI. Following the championship, he retired a second time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacoby Jones</span> American football player (1984–2024)

Jacoby Rashi'd Jones was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). Selected in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Houston Texans, Jones also played with the Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers before playing with the Monterrey Steel of the National Arena League in 2017.

Kevin Payne is an American former professional football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UL Monroe Warhawks and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacob Hester</span> American football player (born 1985)

Jacob Troy Hester is a former American football fullback who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft. He played college football at Louisiana State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ladarius Green</span> American football player (born 1990)

Ladarius Green is a former American football tight end. He played college football at Louisiana–Lafayette and was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tavon Wilson</span> American football player (born 1990)

Tavon Wilson is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini, and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. With the Patriots, Wilson won Super Bowl XLIX, and he has also played for the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bradley Roby</span> American football player (born 1992)

Bradley Roby is an American professional football cornerback who is a free agent. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He has also played for the Houston Texans and the New Orleans Saints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Van Noy</span> American football player (born 1991)

Kyle Van Noy is an American professional football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Van Noy played college football at BYU. He was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, with whom he spent his first three seasons. Van Noy played his next four seasons for the New England Patriots, where he won Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII. Following a year as a member of the Miami Dolphins, he rejoined New England in 2021. Van Noy signed with the Los Angeles Chargers the following season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">J. J. Wilcox</span> American football player (born 1991)

James Edward "J. J." Wilcox, Jr. is a former American football safety. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia Southern University. He was also a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons.

Cameron Amir Sutton is an American professional football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tennessee, and was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He has also played for the Detroit Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryce Callahan</span> American football player (born 1991)

Bryce Jordan Callahan is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football at Rice, and signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desmond King (American football)</span> American football player (born 1994)

Desmond King II is an American professional football cornerback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He earned All-Pro honors in 2018 as both a defensive back and a punt returner. He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and was a unanimous All-American. King was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. He has also played for the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Simmons (American football)</span> American football player (born 1993)

Justin Simmons is an American professional football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boston College Eagles and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jalen Reeves-Maybin</span> American football player (born 1995)

Jalen Ahmad Reeves-Maybin is an American professional football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. Reeves-Maybin has served as president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) since 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamal Agnew</span> American football player (born 1995)

Jamal Agnew is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist who is a free agent. He played college football for the San Diego Toreros. On September 26, 2021, he tied the NFL record for the longest play with a 109 yard return off a missed field goal.

References

  1. 1 2 "Miles Killebrew Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com .
  2. ↑ Josh Wilson (February 28, 2016). "Colts met with safety Miles Killebrew at the NFL combine". stampedeblue.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  3. ↑ Austin Gayle (April 27, 2016). "With Eric Weddle gone, Chargers target safety Miles Killebrew". endzonescore.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Miles Killebrew, DS #6 SS, Southern Utah". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  5. ↑ SUU strategic communication (March 30, 2016). "Players shine at SUU's first ever Pro Day". suutbirds.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  6. ↑ Twentyman, Tim (April 30, 2016). "Detroit Lions draft safety Miles Killebrew". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on May 3, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  7. 1 2 Michael Rothstein (May 2, 2016). "Lions told Miles Killebrew they didn't want him and then drafted him". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  8. ↑ Dave Birkett (May 13, 2016). "Contract details for Detroit Lion's 2016 draft picks". amp.usatoday.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.[ permanent dead link ]
  9. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Detroit Lion's depth chart". ourlads.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  10. ↑ Kyle Meinke (November 25, 2016). "Snap counts: Rookie Miles Killebrew kills it again on third down". mlive.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.[ permanent dead link ]
  11. ↑ "NFL Player Profile: Miles Killebrew". NFL.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  12. ↑ Jeremy Reisman (December 6, 2016). "Lions-Saints snap counts: Miles Killebrew, TJ Johnson see heavy bulk of playing time". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions – September 10th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Retrieved September 14, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Lions agree to terms with safety Miles Killebrew". DetroitLions.com. March 20, 2020.
  15. ↑ Varley, Teresa (March 24, 2021). "Steelers sign Haeg, Killebrew and Marsh". Steelers.com. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  16. ↑ Mark Gaughan (September 12, 2021). "Plays that shaped the game: Blocked punt, short yardage, trick plays foil Bills". The Buffalo News .
  17. ↑ Kyle Ireland (November 21, 2021). "Former SUU Safety Miles Killebrew Blocks Punt During Steelers/Chargers Game". KSL Sports.
  18. ↑ "Steelers S Miles Killebrew inks deal to remain in Pittsburgh". Steelers Wire. USA Today. March 11, 2022.
  19. ↑ Adamski, Chris (October 8, 2023). "'Best in the world' at blocking punts, Miles Killebrew again makes big play for Steelers". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review .
  20. ↑ Varley, Teresa (March 18, 2024). "Killebrew signed to two-year contract". Steelers.com. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  22. ↑ "Southern Utah University Thunderbirds: Miles Killebrew". suutbirds.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  23. ↑ Jason Rowan (July 1, 2016). "Detroit brewery named IPA after Lion's rookie Miles Killebrew". sportressofblogitude.com. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.