The Steelers talented nose tackle, Keeanu Benton, was selected in the 2023 NFL Draft in the second round as the 49th pick. The squad concluded their 2023 season with a 10-7 record and was third in AFC North Division, losing in the Wild Card Playoffs round to the Buffalo Bills.
During an exclusive interview with Overtime Heroics senior editor, Reggie Roberts, the player shared how he is looking forward to the 2024 NFL season, his offseason plans, and that he wants to become one of the best at his position.
Benton is known for his fast and hard play, including always maintaining his effort for each play. Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin mentions, “Big strong guy. Really active. Good hands. For a big guy, you will see him venture outside the box, chasing things down. He’s got a good motor. You can see he’s in really good shape when he plays. He plays a lot of snaps. He is an 80-85% guy. He keeps himself in really good shape, really competitive spirit.”
The nose tackle played with Wisconsin Badgers Football during his collegiate career, following Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson, who played with Badgers in 2011 and T.J. Watt from 2013 to 2016.
Steelers guard Nate Herbig, who was a teammate of Benton at Wisconsin, also shared positive views regarding the nose tackle, mentioning, “Keeanu was a beast, man. He was unblockable. I thought he was the best player in the 2023 Draft, to be honest.”
At Wisconsin’s Janesville Craig High School, Benton excelled as a wrestler and was a talented high school football player. During three varsity seasons, he held a record of 127-8 in wrestling. The multi-talented professional football player is also a proficient fisherman, as the player himself mentions, “I fish all the time. Bass. Pan fish. Blue gills. Perch. Caught some walleyes. Really good eats.”
Overtime Heroics senior editor Reggie Roberts asked him: “The offseason is a time to recharge. What do you do to relax…in other words, what are your hobbies?”
To which the Pittsburgh Stellers nose tackle Keeanu Benton replied: “I’m a big fisherman. I like to go outdoors and fish a lot. This offseason, I spent more time on the beach just relaxing in the morning. We took a mile walk every morning just to get our minds right and when I got back home, I would grab my fishing net. So, fishing, bowling, and little stuff like that is stuff I like to do.”
Additionally, the talented player also expressed his off field passions, stating how he admires fishing and further favors engaging in outdoor activities and walking takes a prominent place in his routine as well.
