Miles Killebrew
{{Short description|American football player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Miles Killebrew
| image = Killebrew Visits Selfridge ANGB (cropped).png
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Killebrew at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in 2016
| current_team = Pittsburgh Steelers
| number = 28
| position = {{hlist|Safety|special teamer}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|5|10}}
| birth_place = Henderson, Nevada, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 222
| high_school = Foothill (Henderson)
| college = Southern Utah (2011–2015)
| draftyear = 2016
| draftround = 4
| draftpick = 111
| pastteams =
- Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2016|2020}})
- Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|2021}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
| statseason = 2024
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Tackles
| statvalue1 = 161
| statlabel2 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue2 = 1
| statlabel3 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue3 =
| statlabel4 = Pass deflections
| statvalue4 = 6
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 2
| statlabel6 = Defensive Touchdowns
| statvalue6 = 1
| pfr = K/KillMi00
}}
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 for the Southern Utah Thunderbirds and was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft.
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. 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.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Josh |date=February 28, 2016 |title=Colts met with safety Miles Killebrew at the NFL combine |url=http://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/28/11131262/colts-met-with-safety-miles-killebrew-at-nfl-combine |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=stampedeblue.com}}{{Cite web |last=Gayle |first=Austin |date=April 27, 2016 |title=With Eric Weddle gone, Chargers target safety Miles Killebrew |url=http://www.endzonescore.com/san-diego-chargers-look-into-hybrid-linebacker-miles-killebrew/38120 |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=endzonescore.com}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Miles Killebrew, DS #6 SS, Southern Utah |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profilexnews.php?pyid=128751&draftyear=2016&genpos=SS |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=nfldraftscout.com}} Over twenty scouts and representatives from NFL teams showed up to evaluate Killebrew and ten other prospects at SUU's Pro Day.{{Cite web |last=SUU strategic communication |date=March 30, 2016 |title=Players shine at SUU's first ever Pro Day |url=http://www.suutbirds.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=20100&ATCLID=210849104 |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=suutbirds.com}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1+7/8
| weight = 217
| dash = 4.65
| ten split = 1.65
| twenty split = 2.71
| shuttle = 4.18
| cone drill = 6.93
| vertical = 38
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 7
| bench = 22
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32+1/8
| hand span = 9+1/2
| note = All values from NFL Combine.{{Cite web |title=Miles Killebrew Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/miles-killebrew/32004b49-4c28-3492-57d3-042b96cef5b8 |website=NFL.com}}
}}
=Detroit Lions=
File:Miles Killebrew (cropped).jpg ]]
The Lions selected Killebrew in the fourth round (111th overall) in the 2016 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Twentyman |first=Tim |date=April 30, 2016 |title=Detroit Lions draft safety Miles Killebrew |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/Detroit-Lions-draft-safety-Miles-Killebrew/0d712617-84b5-48c4-bb3c-e7eefdc0a62e |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503063504/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider-short/article-1/Detroit-Lions-draft-safety-Miles-Killebrew/0d712617-84b5-48c4-bb3c-e7eefdc0a62e |archive-date=May 3, 2016 |access-date=April 30, 2016 |website=Detroit Lions}} 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. 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.{{Cite web |last=Birkett |first=Dave |date=May 11, 2016 |title=Contract details for Detroit Lions 2016 draft picks |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2016/05/11/detroit-lions-rookie-contracts/84235776/ |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}
He began his rookie season as the Lions' third strong safety on the depth chart behind veterans Tavon Wilson and Rafael Bush.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Detroit Lion's depth chart |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/189/DET |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=ourlads.com}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Kyle Meinke |date=November 25, 2016 |title=Snap counts: Rookie Miles Killebrew kills it again on third down |url=https://www.mlive.com/articles/19730768/snap_count_rookie_miles_killeb.amp |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=mlive.com }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 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.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player Profile: Miles Killebrew |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mileskillebrew/2555315/profile |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Jeremy Reisman |date=December 6, 2016 |title=Lions-Saints snap counts: Miles Killebrew, TJ Johnson see heavy bulk of playing time |url=http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/12/5/13841570/detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-snap-counts-miles-killebrew-tj-jones |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=prideofdetroit.com}}
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.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100det.htm |access-date=September 14, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}
During 2018's training camp Killebrew converted to linebacker with the arrival of Matt Patricia and new defensive scheme. Throughout 2018 and 2019, he recorded 27 tackles (seven in 2018, 20 in 2019) across 28 games played.{{cite web | title=Miles Killebrew 2018 Game Log | website=StatMuse | date=2018-12-30 | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/player/miles-killebrew-25257/game-log?seasonYear=2018 | access-date=2024-12-22}}{{cite web | title=Miles Killebrew 2019 Game Log | website=StatMuse | date=2019-12-29 | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/player/miles-killebrew-25257/game-log?seasonYear=2019 | access-date=2024-12-22}} After the 2019 season, the Lions picked up Killebrew's fifth year option to keep him with the team in 2020.{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2020 |title=Lions agree to terms with safety Miles Killebrew |url=https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-agree-to-terms-with-safety-miles-killebrew |website=DetroitLions.com}} He recorded 12 total tackles (10 solo, two assisted) After the 2020 season, the Lions opted to not resign Killebrew, making him a free agent.
=Pittsburgh Steelers=
Killebrew signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 24, 2021.{{Cite news |last=Varley, Teresa |date=March 24, 2021 |title=Steelers sign Haeg, Killebrew and Marsh |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-sign-haeg-killebrew-and-marsh |access-date=March 24, 2021 |work=Steelers.com}}
File:SOF honored at Pittsburgh Steelers Salute to Service game (241117-F-SI788-1942).jpg
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.{{Cite web |last=Mark Gaughan |date=September 12, 2021 |title=Plays that shaped the game: Blocked punt, short yardage, trick plays foil Bills |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/plays-that-shaped-the-game-blocked-punt-short-yardage-trick-plays-foil-bills/article_d47751e6-141f-11ec-8505-5763ab69d28c.html |newspaper=The Buffalo News}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Kyle Ireland |date=November 21, 2021 |title=Former SUU Safety Miles Killebrew Blocks Punt During Steelers/Chargers Game |url=https://kslsports.com/473164/former-suu-safety-miles-killebrew-blocks-punt-during-steelers-chargers-game/ |website=KSL Sports}}
On March 11, 2022, Killebrew signed a two-year, $4 million contract extension with the Steelers.{{cite web | last=Koehler | first=Allison | title=Steelers S Miles Killebrew inks deal to remain in Pittsburgh | website=Steelers Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2022-03-11 | url=https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/11/miles-killebrew-steelers-sign-contract/ | access-date=2024-09-07}}
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.{{Cite web |last=Adamski, Chris |date=October 8, 2023 |title='Best in the world' at blocking punts, Miles Killebrew again makes big play for Steelers |url=https://triblive.com/sports/best-in-the-world-at-blocking-punts-miles-killebrew-again-makes-big-play-for-steelers/#:~:text=Sunday%2C%20Oct.%208%2C%202023%205%3A54%20p.m.&text=Pittsburgh%20Steelers%20special%2Dteams%20captain,punt%20in%20his%20NFL%20career |newspaper=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review}} He finished the 2023 season making 21 solo tackles, five assisted tackles, one tackle for loss, and a blocked punt. He appeared in the Steelers' postseason outing against the Buffalo Bills in which the Steelers lost 17-31, ending their season.{{cite web | title=Miles Killebrew 2023 Game Log | website=StatMuse | date=2024-01-15 | url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/player/miles-killebrew-25257/game-log?seasonYear=2023 | access-date=2024-12-22}}
On March 18, 2024, Killebrew signed a two-year contract extension with the Steelers.{{cite web | last=Varley | first=Teresa | title=Killebrew signed to two-year contract | website=Steelers.com | date=2024-03-18 | url=https://www.steelers.com/news/killebrew-signed-to-two-year-contract-x3983 | access-date=2024-07-22}} On September 2, 2024, Killebrew was announced as a Captain for the 2024-25 Pittsburgh Steelers Team.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C_bBz7-PQr9/?igsh=ajRlb2xydXVwMWU0 |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=www.instagram.com}}
Personal life
Killebrew was raised by his parents, Lisa and David Killebrew, in Henderson, Nevada.{{Cite web |title=Southern Utah University Thunderbirds: Miles Killebrew |url=http://www.suutbirds.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205237396 |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=suutbirds.com}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Michael Rothstein |date=May 2, 2016 |title=Lions told Miles Killebrew they didn't want him and then drafted him |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/23398/the-lions-told-miles-killebrew-they-didnt-want-him-then-drafted-him?ex_cid=espnapi_public |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}
In June 2016, a Detroit-based brewery named Fort Street Brewery created Killebrew IPA, a play on words using his last name.{{Cite web |last=Jason Rowan |date=July 1, 2016 |title=Detroit brewery named IPA after Lion's rookie Miles Killebrew |url=http://www.sportressofblogitude.com/2016/07/01/detroit-brewery-names-ipa-lions-rookie-miles-killebrew/ |access-date=December 6, 2016 |website=sportressofblogitude.com}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons}}
{{footballstats|yahoo=29345|espn=2575164}}
- [https://www.steelers.com/team/players-roster/miles-killebrew/ Pittsburgh Steelers bio]
- [http://www.suutbirds.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=20100&ATCLID=205237396 Southern Utah Thunderbirds bio]
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{{Portal bar|American football|Biography|College football}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Killebrew, Miles}}
Category:American football safeties
Category:Detroit Lions players
Category:Sportspeople from Henderson, Nevada
Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players
Category:Players of American football from Nevada