Miles Killebrew

Miles Killebrew's Biography

Miles Killebrew was born on May 10, 1993. As a child, his family, with parents Lisa and David Killebrew, called Henderson, Nevada home. Supporting their local team, the family are Indianapolis Colts fans, helped along by the few years they spent living in Indiana. Killebrew himself hero-worships football stars Troy Polamalu, Earl Thomas, and Bob Sanders. Today, he is a distinguished professional football safety and special teamer for the revered Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.

Turning the clock back to his years in college, Killebrew attended Southern Utah, where he played college football. Displaying exceptional skill and poise on the pitch, he made a mark by putting up triple-digit numbers in tackles in each of his last two seasons. His stats reflected his talent; 101 tackles in 2014 and rising to an impressive 132 in 2015. Flexing his versatility, he even held the responsibility of pass coverage showing a knack for interceptions with one returned for a touchdown in 2014, along with seven pass breakups in 2015. His consistency and contribution didn’t go unnoticed, with Killebrew attaining All-Big Sky recognition every season he participated in: from an honorable mention in 2012 and 2013, moving to the second team in 2014, and reaching the first team in 2015.

When the time came for the 2016 NFL Draft, analysts predicted him to be picked up in the third or fourth rounds. Many admired his size, his form, the forcefulness of his tackling, though some expressed concern over what appeared to be a lack of instincts, limited coverage range, and an anticipated shortfall in run direction awareness. However, with his impressive frame and the increasing popularity of hybrid linebackers in the NFL, Killebrew was expected to play a dual role as a nickel linebacker. He participated in the Reese’s Senior Bowl and was invited to the NFL combine. During this period, he met with multiple teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, and the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Chuck Pagano.

On March 30, 2016, he attended Southern Utah’s inaugural Pro Day where he improved his numbers from the combine on the 40-yard dash (4.51), 20-yard dash (2.63), and 10-yard dash (1.58). Over twenty scouts and representatives from NFL teams showed up to evaluate Killebrew. Eventually, the Lions selected him in the fourth round as the 111th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, despite having initially dismissed him as a misfit in the line-up. His talent and potential earned him a 4-year, $2.34 million contract complete with a signing bonus of $578,564.

Killebrew’s rookie season saw him positioned as the third strong safety on the depth chart for the Detroit Lions. Despite limited playing time on the defense, he showed potential in his performances and interceptions, cementing his place in the team.

In 2017, during the Lion’s season opener, Killebrew prospered with a 35-yard interception returned for a touchdown, his unique abilities earning him a conversion to linebacker under coach Matt Patricia’s defensive scheme. He remained with the Lions till March 24, 2020, when he signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In his debut season with the Steelers, Killebrew made waves with his remarkable punt block against the Buffalo Bills, securing a touchdown for his team and beginning a series of successful blocks throughout the season. His critical contribution paved the way for a contract extension for two years and $4 million with the Steelers in 2022.

His stellar form continued into the 2023 season, punctuating it with another crucial punt block against the Baltimore Ravens. As an acknowledgement of his service and performance, Killebrew was named captain of the Pittsburgh Steelers team in the 2024 season and further signed a two-year contract extension in March 2024.

Away from the pitch, Killebrew found academic success as well, graduating from Southern Utah University with a degree in Engineering Technology in the same year he was drafted. His fairytale moment came when the Lions called him to announce his draft into the team while on route to his graduation ceremony.

Killebrew’s popularity even transcended sport when a Detroit-based Brewery, Fort Street Brewery, created a brew with a pun on his last name – Killebrew IPA in June 2016. An exemplary player and professional, Killebrew undoubtedly continues his ascension in the ranks of American football today.