The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very specific plan when it comes to free agency. They look for players who are signing their second contract and in their mid-20s who they feel have overlooked potential. During the 2021 off-season, the Steelers targeted a former fourth-round draft pick from the Detroit Lions, Miles Killebrew.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: JSKO_Photo) / Steelers Miles Killebrew (28)
Killebrew has great size at 6'2" tall but has not been able to find regular playing time in the Pittsburgh secondary since he joined the team. The former Southern Utah Thunderbirds' safety may not be able to crack the lineup on defense but he has become a special teams captain for the Steelers. He has also earned his reputation as a big hitter for the black and gold.
The PM Team W/Poni & Mueller sent Andrew Fillipponi to radio row at the Super Bowl this week and he sat down with Killebrew for an interview with the special teams' captain. Fillipponi asked Killebrew, how a player carves a niche as a special team’s standout.
“Special teams is one of the things if you want to be great at it, you can,” Killebrew began. “It’s open to any guy on the roster. Anybody can go out there and say I want to be good at this. I made a decision in my career, I’m going to do what it takes to get on the field. If your producing, the standard is the standard in Pittsburgh you are going to get an opportunity to go play.”
Fourth-round draft picks are not throwaway players in the NFL. They are expected to contribute and often become starters and key contributors to a team’s success. The Lions kept Killebrew for five seasons but ultimately he only started four games at safety for them. He signed in Pittsburgh with a real opportunity to displace incumbent Terrell Edmunds but it just never materialized. Killebrew found other ways to contribute to the black and gold.
“The year prior I blocked two punts,” Killebrew continued. “Buffalo and then the Chargers, special teams it’s a team thing. I was in the position where it hit my hands, that’s production. The following year the guys liked me enough to vote me as captain. What’s my alternative, taking my pride and saying I should play more defense? I played with almost a thousand guys in Detroit, you have to do what it takes to survive. I get to be on the field.”
Killebrew burst onto the scene for the Steelers last season blocking a punt in the opening game against the Buffalo Bills that helped turn that game around. Pittsburgh upset the Bills and in Ben Roethlisberger’s last season, the Steelers had no margin for error finishing 9-7-1. The upset victory was the catalyst for the 2021 playoffs for the black and gold and his blocked punt was a huge part of the victory.
“I understand I am owed absolutely nothing,” Killebrew said. “Every single second I get to play this game, to fellowship with these guys like Cam, I count it as a blessing. I get to affect these guys coming into the league like young Kenny Pickett that I wouldn’t be able to do if I wasn’t on this team. Coming out (of college) that’s all I wanted to do was just hit, people. I still have that weird obsession, I just love it. I think that is something that Tomlin just liked.”
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation / Steelers Miles Killebrew (28) Warms Up At Acrisure Stadium
The special teams' captain takes his role seriously as a mentor and a leader, and it is interesting to hear that he mentioned Kenny Pickett, but he did not expound on his role in the rookie quarterback's development. Chris Mueller who is the cohost of the program interjected at this point and asked if Killebrew had one hit that stood out to him in his career. Killebrew was prepared for the question and immediately recalled his favorite.
“I had one this year and you are never going to see it because it’s on a kickoff return,” Killebrew said. “I’m blocking someone. I tell you what it was illegal, so I don’t want to brag too much. It was an $8,000 fine. Dude, I just got to lay someone out and it felt so great. I know it was wrong, but it was a business decision. I made sure it was worth it. Fines are tax deductible.”
Steelers James Harrison Recalls Famous Fine And Regrets Not Getting His Money's Worth
Killebrew was fined after the Carolina Panthers game for an unnecessary roughness penalty that was flagged before the Steelers' offense took the field. The penalty did not affect the Steelers’ season-long 21-play drive that helped cement a victory against the Panthers as the Steelers began a four-game winning streak to close the season. The special teams player was channeling his inner James Harrison with what is sure to be a memorable quote.
Photo Credit: MARK HUMPHREY/ASSOCIATED PRESS / James Harrison helped the Steelers beat the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
The NFL gives lip service to player safety, but selectively protects star players and Dallas Cowboys who get injured. Tom Brady got hurt a decade ago, they changed the rules. Mel Blount threw Drew Pearson around like a rag doll in Super Bowl X and they changed the rules. Tony Pollard gets hurt in a playoff game and they want to change the rules.
The NFL could mandate the bubble helmet covers that teams wear in training camps. They could employ a committee of veterans who played the game like Harrison, Hines Ward and Rodney Harrison who understand the difference between intent and football plays to help regulate the league and set universal standards for officials. The Steelers are playing throwback football and the NFL wants nothing to do with that.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Do you still enjoy a Steelers player with a nasty streak? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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