Keeanu Benton Bio
Keeanu Kyrie Benton is an American professional football nose tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 17, 2001, in Chicago, Illinois, Benton has established himself as a promising young defender in professional football. He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2019 to 2022, where he earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2021 and Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Benton in the second round with the 49th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has continued to develop his skills at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Keeanu Benton grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he attended Joseph A. Craig High School. During his time at Joseph A. Craig, Benton competed in both football and wrestling, demonstrating his athletic versatility from an early age. His senior season in high school was particularly impressive, as he recorded 75 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and one fumble recovery.
His standout high school performance attracted attention from multiple college programs. Benton ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Wisconsin, selecting the Badgers over a competing offer from the University of Iowa. This decision set the foundation for his development as a collegiate athlete and eventual path to the NFL.
Path to Professional Football
Benton began his collegiate career at Wisconsin in 2019, immediately making an impact at the nose tackle position. As a freshman, he appeared in 13 games and made six starts, finishing the season with 12 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks. His early success demonstrated his ability to contribute at the Big Ten level.
His sophomore season saw limited action, with Benton appearing in seven games and making seven starts. However, his junior year in 2021 marked a breakthrough, as he was named Second-team All-Big Ten Conference after recording 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He continued his strong play in his senior season (2022), earning Third-team All-Big Ten honors and further establishing his reputation as one of the conference’s top interior defensive linemen.
Keeanu Benton Career
Wisconsin Badgers (2019–2022)
Benton’s four-year tenure at Wisconsin shaped him into a polished defensive prospect. His progression from a rotational player as a freshman to a full-time starter by his sophomore year demonstrated his ability to develop and adapt at the collegiate level. The combination of his size (6 ft 4 in, 309 lb), athleticism, and football intelligence made him a valuable anchor for the Badgers’ defensive line.
His back-to-back All-Big Ten selections (2021, 2022) validated his standing as one of the premier nose tackles in the conference. Benton finished his collegiate career having appeared in over 40 games, accumulating significant production against some of the nation’s top offensive lines. His experience facing Big Ten competition provided him with the foundation needed to transition to professional football.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2023–Present)
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Keeanu Benton with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, signaling their confidence in his potential. On June 23, 2023, Benton signed his rookie contract with the Steelers, officially beginning his professional career. He joined a Steelers defense with a storied tradition of excellence, particularly along the defensive line.
As a rookie in the 2023 season, Benton appeared in 17 games and started nine, making an immediate contribution to the Steelers’ defensive rotation. He finished his rookie campaign with 36 total tackles (16 solo), one sack, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles. His versatility and ability to stop the run quickly earned him a significant role in the defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
On December 8, 2024, Benton recorded his first NFL interception during a game against the Cleveland Browns. He intercepted quarterback Jameis Winston in the Steelers’ 27–14 victory, a milestone moment that showcased his development as a complete defensive player beyond his run-stopping abilities. This play highlighted his growth from a rookie contributor to a more complete defender capable of making plays in coverage.
Keeanu Benton Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Benton has established himself as a reliable presence on the Steelers’ defensive line. His career totals reflect consistent production and growing impact within the defense. He has demonstrated the ability to rush the quarterback, stop the run, and contribute in pass coverage.
Career Highlights
Through his first several seasons with the Steelers, Benton has accumulated 123 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, nine pass deflections, and one interception. His rookie season showed promise with his first NFL sack, while his second season featured the milestone interception against Cleveland. The forced fumble totals indicate his ability to create turnovers, a valuable trait for any defensive lineman.
| Season | Team | Games | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Pass Deflections | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 17 | 36 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 17 | 42 | 2.5 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 2025 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 17 | 45 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked another step forward in Benton’s development with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He continued to serve as a key piece of the Steelers’ defensive line rotation, appearing in all 17 regular-season games. His tackle totals increased for the third consecutive season, reaching 45 tackles while also recording four sacks and four pass deflections.
Benton’s progression has been notable for his consistency and durability. Appearing in every game over his first three professional seasons demonstrates his reliability and the trust the coaching staff places in him. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories has made him a valuable three-down defender for the Steelers.