Miles Killebrew Bio
Miles Killebrew is an American professional football safety and special teamer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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. Killebrew has built a reputation as one of the league’s most impactful special teams players, earning First-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
Early Life and Background
Miles Killebrew was born on May 10, 1993, in Henderson, Nevada, to his parents Lisa and David Killebrew. Growing up in the Las Vegas suburb, he attended Foothill High School in Henderson, where he began developing the physical tackling style and large frame that would define his professional career. His family were devoted Indianapolis Colts fans, having lived in Indiana for several years during his childhood.
Beyond football, Killebrew developed interests in academics and athletics. He graduated from Southern Utah University on April 30, 2016, with a degree in engineering technology. Remarkably, he received the phone call informing him that the Detroit Lions had drafted him while en route to his college graduation ceremony, marking a pivotal moment that combined his academic and athletic achievements in a single day.
Path to the NFL
Killebrew played college football for the Southern Utah Thunderbirds from 2011 to 2015. He became a four-year starter in the Thunderbirds’ defensive secondary and showed consistent improvement throughout his collegiate career. NFL analysts projected him as a third or fourth-round draft pick, impressed by his size for a safety, his textbook tackling technique, and his physical style of play. Scouts noted his ability to play both safety and potentially transition to a nickel linebacker role given his frame and the league’s trend toward hybrid defenders.
Before the NFL draft, Killebrew participated in the Reese’s Senior Bowl and attended the NFL Combine, where he met with multiple teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts. On March 30, 2016, he attended Southern Utah’s first-ever Pro Day, improving his 40-yard dash (4.51), 20-yard dash (2.63), and 10-yard dash (1.58) times from the combine. Over twenty NFL scouts attended to evaluate Killebrew and other prospects.
Miles Killebrew Career
Detroit Lions (2016–2020)
The Detroit Lions selected Killebrew in the fourth round with the 111th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. Interestingly, after his Senior Bowl appearance, Lions safeties coach Alan Williams and other team representatives had met with Killebrew to tell him they were not interested and that he was not a good fit for their organization. Once they drafted him, the team revealed this was a test to evaluate his character and resilience. On May 6, 2016, the Lions signed Killebrew to a four-year contract worth $2.34 million with a $578,564 signing bonus.
As a rookie, Killebrew began as the Lions’ third strong safety behind veterans Tavon Wilson and Rafael Bush. He primarily contributed on special teams while seeing rotational duty on defense. His most productive early game came on November 20, 2016, when he led the Lions with five tackles while playing only 12 defensive snaps in a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. On December 4, 2016, he recorded his first career interception off Drew Brees in a win against the New Orleans Saints, finishing with three solo tackles and a pass deflection.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2021–2025)
Killebrew signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 24, 2021, marking a new chapter in his career. He made an immediate impact on special teams, blocking a punt from Buffalo Bills punter Matt Haack in Week 1 of the 2021 season, which was recovered by teammate Ulysees Gilbert for a Steelers touchdown in their 23-16 victory. He continued his blocked punt prowess later that season against the Los Angeles Chargers, creating another scoring opportunity.
On March 11, 2022, Killebrew signed a two-year contract extension worth $4 million with the Steelers. During the 2023 season, he blocked another punt from Ravens punter Jordan Stout in Week 5 against Baltimore, leading to a Steelers safety in their 17-10 victory. His exceptional special teams work earned him First-team All-Pro honors in 2023 and his first Pro Bowl selection. He continued this momentum into 2024, when he was named a team captain and earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2026–Present)
On March 13, 2026, Killebrew signed a one-year contract worth $1.79 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The move marked a new beginning for the veteran safety and special teams specialist, joining a Buccaneers team looking to bolster their special teams unit with his proven track record of blocked punts and leadership qualities.
Driving Style and Strengths
Killebrew’s game is built around his rare combination of size and physicality for a safety position. Standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 222 pounds, he brings linebacker-like tackling ability to the defensive backfield. His greatest NFL impact has come on special teams, where his vision, timing, and burst allow him to consistently penetrate punts and field goals. He possesses the football IQ developed through years of special teams excellence and has earned recognition as one of the league’s most reliable special teams performers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Killebrew has developed a signature skill for blocking punts. His Week 1 blocked punt against the Buffalo Bills in 2021 set the tone for his Steelers tenure, while his 2023 blocked punt against Baltimore proved crucial in a divisional victory. His consistent excellence culminated in his 2023 First-team All-Pro selection and consecutive Pro Bowl appearances in 2023 and 2024, establishing him among the league’s elite special teamers.
Miles Killebrew Career Wins
Across his NFL career spanning from 2016 to present, Killebrew has contributed to numerous victories through his defensive play and exceptional special teams contributions. His career statistics include 166 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 6 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 defensive touchdown. Multiple blocked punts throughout his career have directly led to touchdowns and shifted momentum in crucial games.
College Career Highlights
At Southern Utah, Killebrew was a four-year starter who earned All-Big Sky recognition every season. He improved each year, earning honorable mention honors in 2012 and 2013, second-team recognition in 2014, and first-team All-Big Sky in his senior season of 2015. He reached triple-digit tackle totals in each of his final two seasons, recording 101 tackles in 2014 and 132 tackles in 2015. He also demonstrated coverage skills with three interceptions including one returned for a touchdown, plus seven pass breakups in 2015.
Professional Milestones
Killebrew’s NFL career highlights include his first career interception off Drew Brees in December 2016 and a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in September 2017. His special teams blocked punts have directly led to multiple touchdowns for his teams, including key victories against the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens. His crowning professional achievements remain his First-team All-Pro selection in 2023 and consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
Miles Killebrew Family
Family Background
Miles Killebrew was raised in Henderson, Nevada, by his parents, David and Lisa Killebrew. His family background includes connections to the Indianapolis Colts, as they were fans during years spent living in Indiana. He has cited Troy Polamalu, Earl Thomas, and Bob Sanders as his football role models, drawing inspiration from their safety play and physical styles.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Killebrew continue as a key contributor for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense and special teams unit. He recorded five tackles across the team’s first five contests and was recognized as a team captain for the second consecutive season, demonstrating the leadership he had developed throughout his career. His Pro Bowl selection marked his second straight year earning the honor as one of the NFL’s top special teamers.
However, the season took a significant turn on October 15, 2025, when head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Killebrew had suffered a significant knee injury during the Week 6 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He was placed on injured reserve the following day, ending his season prematurely. Despite the injury setback, his 2025 campaign reinforced his standing as one of the most valuable special teams players in the league before the injury occurred.